Authorities say coordinated measures are being taken to protect tourism activities and restore visitor confidence.
CRUSH:
The district administration and Swat police launched legal action on Monday after a group of local individuals allegedly stopped tourists from traveling to Mahodand Lake in Kalam, an incident that later went viral on social media and raised concerns over tourist safety in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s top tourist destination.
According to officials, tourists traveling on private roller coasters and tourist vehicles towards Mahodand Lake were intercepted by locals who allegedly insisted that the visitors use local transport services. The clash disrupted the tourists’ journey and some vehicles were reportedly threatened with stone throwing, forcing several groups to abandon their visit to the lake.
The affected tourists, including students of Sargodha University, were unable to complete their trip to Lake Mahodand, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Swat.
Taking immediate cognizance 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 people under relevant sections of the law for allegedly blocking tourists and creating fear and harassment.
“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 the movement of tourists in Kalam, Mahodand Lake or other tourist destinations in Swat. Tourists were free to travel in their private vehicles or with the transport operators of their choice, and no one had the authority to illegally detain them.
DPO Gandapur said the police had acted promptly after the incident arose 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 who intimidates visitors or damages 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.
However, authorities maintained that coordinated measures were being taken to protect tourism activities and restore visitor confidence in the region.
