Islamabad:
The work has begun in the cascades of Hazara in Jab Valley, Haripur, under an ecotourism initiative financed by the United Kingdom that aims to transform this natural jewel hidden into a great tourist attraction for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The project also seeks to link the waterfalls with Bhamala’s historic stupa, creating a new cultural route and ecotourism near Islamabad.
With the support of the United Kingdom Foreign Development and Development Office, through the WWF-Pakistan WWF-Pakistan Resources Responsibility Project, the first phase has been launched with RS5 million in funds. It includes the construction of a safe track for walking and a small tourist cabin, replacing the dangerous local path currently uses villagers to transport firewood. The road is expected to be completed in mid -October 2025.
Hazara’s waterfalls have eight main waterfalls, the highest that rises almost 400 feet, which makes it the largest waterfall system of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located only two hours from Islamabad, the site offers accessibility and natural greatness. The cataracts feed on the Haro River, which flows through Bhamala before reaching the Khanpur dam. Only 27 km from the dam, the valley can easily integrate into a broader tourist circuit that combines natural beauty with heritage tourism.
Discovered in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, the waterfalls are now established for broader recognition. “This investment is an advance that will turn Mab Valley into the next great tourist destination of Pakistan,” said Nisar. He said the project would generate jobs for local young people, create opportunities for merchants, guides and drivers, and reduce the dependence of the wood cut by encouraging conservation.
The KP Tourism Department has hosted the initiative, saying that it will not only add new attractions for visitors, but also protect the fragile atmosphere from Jab Valley.
Tourism experts believe that Jab Valley could become an attractive alternative to overcrowded destinations such as Naran, Kaghan and Swat. With the argument of adequate planning, it could soon be among Pakistan’s main ecotourism access points.
WWF-Pakistan emphasized that environmental preservation remains central to the project, adding that its success could serve as a model to develop other hidden natural treasures throughout the province.
With the work now in progress and the first facilities that will be opened in the coming weeks, Jab Valley is on the way to emerge as a unique combination of nature and history, where Pakistan’s highest waterfalls are found with the heritage of centenarians.
