The clash disrupted the tourists’ journey and some vehicles were reportedly threatened with stone throwing.
CRUSH:
The district administration and Swat police have initiated legal action after a group of local individuals allegedly prevented 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 tour vehicles towards Mahodand Lake were intercepted by local individuals who allegedly insisted that the visitors use local transportation 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 from Sargodha University in Punjab, were unable to complete their trip to Lake Mahodand, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Swat.
Taking immediate cognizance of the incident, Deputy Commissioner Swat Saleem Jan Marwat directed the district administration in coordination with District Police Officer (DPO) Swat Umar Gandapur to initiate legal proceedings against those involved.
An FIR has been 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 KP government,” the district administration said in an official statement.
