Authorities say coordinated measures being taken to protect tourism activities and restore visitor confidence
SWAT:
The district administration and police in Swat launched legal action on Monday after a group of local individuals allegedly stopped tourists from travelling to Mahodand Lake in Kalam, an incident that later went viral on social media and raised concerns over tourist safety in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s premier tourist destination.
According to officials, tourists travelling in private coasters and tour vehicles towards Mahodand Lake were intercepted by local people who allegedly insisted that visitors use local transport services instead. The confrontation disrupted the tourists’ journey, while some vehicles were reportedly threatened with stone pelting, forcing several groups to abandon their visit to the lake.
The affected tourists, including students from Sargodha University, were unable to complete their trip to Mahodand Lake, one of Swat’s most visited tourist attractions.
Taking immediate notice of the incident, Swat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saleem Jan Marwat directed the district administration, in coordination with District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Gandapur, to initiate legal proceedings against those involved.
A case was registered at Kalam Police Station against around 30 individuals under relevant sections of the law for allegedly blocking tourists and creating fear and harassment.
“The protection of tourists is the top priority of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. No individual or group will be allowed to take the law into their own hands, harass tourists or obstruct their movement,” the district administration said in an official statement.
The administration clarified that no restrictions were imposed on tourist movement in Kalam, Mahodand Lake or other tourist destinations in Swat. Tourists were free to travel in their private vehicles or with transport operators of their choice, while no one had the authority to stop them unlawfully.
DPO Gandapur said police had acted promptly after the incident surfaced and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for tourists in Swat. The law will take its course against anyone found intimidating visitors or damaging the image of the region,” he said.
DC Marwat also urged tourists and residents to immediately report any untoward incident to the administration or police so that timely action could be ensured.
The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with social media users expressing concern that such actions could negatively affect tourism in Swat.
Authorities, however, maintained that coordinated measures were being taken to protect tourism activities and restore visitor confidence in the region.
