Naran : ReNews Pakistan
The district administration has temporarily prohibited tourists from visiting Lake Saif ul Muluk after weather authorities warned of heavy monsoon rainfall, possible cloudbursts and an increased risk of flash flooding across Naran and other parts of Kaghan Valley. Officials said the precautionary measure has been taken to safeguard visitors as adverse weather conditions are expected to intensify in the coming days.
According to the district administration, the restriction was imposed on Friday on the recommendation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) following forecasts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Travel to the popular high-altitude lake will remain suspended until further notice, with authorities stating that public safety remains the top priority.
Balakot Assistant Commissioner Hasrat Khan said the temporary ban was introduced as a preventive measure to minimise the risk to tourists visiting the mountainous region during the ongoing monsoon season. He noted that weather forecasts indicate the possibility of intense rainfall, cloudbursts and rapidly changing conditions that could make access routes hazardous.
Officials have placed Rescue 1122 teams and other relevant emergency departments on high alert throughout Kaghan Valley to ensure a swift response in case of any weather-related emergencies. Monitoring of vulnerable locations has also been intensified as authorities continue to assess the evolving weather situation.
The decision, however, has drawn concern from the local business community, which says the restriction could significantly affect the valley's tourism-driven economy during its peak season.
Hussan Deen, chairman of a traders' organisation in Kaghan Valley, urged the administration to review the decision, arguing that weather conditions in Naran remained stable and that travel to Lake Saif ul Muluk was not currently dangerous. He said emergency response teams were already deployed in the area and capable of handling any unforeseen situation.
He further stressed that businesses in Kaghan Valley rely heavily on a tourism season that lasts only three to four months each year. According to local traders, prolonged restrictions on access to major tourist attractions discourage visitors, reduce business activity and result in substantial financial losses for hotels, transport operators, restaurants and other tourism related enterprises.
Authorities have advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable mountainous areas and to follow official weather advisories until conditions improve and the restriction is lifted.

Mansehra: [ReNews Pakistan]
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, on Wednesday inaugurated and performed groundbreaking ceremonies for 12 major development projects worth more than Rs 25 billion during a visit to Mansehra district, marking one of the province’s largest development initiatives for the region.
The comprehensive package is aimed at improving essential public services and accelerating socio-economic development in Mansehra, with a strong focus on clean drinking water, healthcare, education, sports facilities, and civic infrastructure.
Among the flagship initiatives announced was the Rs 18.5 billion Mansehra Gravity Flow Water Supply Scheme, expected to significantly improve access to clean drinking water for thousands of residents. Other major projects included the Rs 2 billion Institute of Allied Health Sciences, the Rs 1.8 billion Achhar Nala Dam, and the Rs1 billion upgradation project for Thakra Stadium.
The development package also included the upgradation of Basic Health Unit (BHU) Sandesar, establishment of a Rescue Station at Pano Dheri, inauguration of a Degree College for Boys, and the foundation stone laying ceremony for a modern Cath Lab facility aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the district.
In addition, land allocation for a public graveyard, the establishment of Kotkay Park, improvements to the Mansehra Water Supply Scheme, and the creation of Tehsil Tanawal were also announced as part of the broader development agenda.
Addressing a ceremony in Mansehra, the Chief Minister described the projects as a “gift for the people” and said they would bring visible improvements to daily life while integrating underdeveloped areas into the mainstream of progress.
He reiterated that balanced and inclusive development across all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the provincial government’s top priority, adding that public resources were being utilized transparently and fairly to ensure maximum public benefit.
Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi said the government was committed to reforms in key sectors including health, education, drinking water, and sports, noting that development initiatives were being extended to remote and neglected areas of the province.
He further assured that all projects would be completed in line with merit, transparency, and quality standards to ensure long-term benefits for local communities.

Mansehra | ReNews Pakistan
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has initiated a large scale operation to remove snow and glaciers from the Mansehra/Naran/Jalkhad (MNJ) Road, signaling the imminent reopening of Naran to tourists after nearly six months of seasonal closure.
Heavy machinery has been deployed at key points along the route to clear accumulated snow and cut through glaciers that blocked access following intense snowfall in November last year. The MNJ Road, a critical link connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit/Baltistan via the scenic Kaghan Valley, was closed at the onset of winter due to harsh weather conditions.
According to Hussain Deen, Chairman of the Kaghan Hoteliers Association, traffic between Naran and other parts of the province is expected to resume within the next few days. However, he noted that full restoration of the entire route could take additional time.
Officials overseeing the operation confirmed that while significant progress has been made, complete reopening of the road may take another four to five weeks, depending on weather conditions and the remaining accumulation of snow.
Meanwhile, local stakeholders have begun returning to Naran to prepare for the upcoming tourist season. Access to major attractions, including Lake Saiful Muluk and surrounding areas, remains restricted due to heavy snow and the risk of landslides.
Residents pointed out that snowfall in upper Kaghan Valley was comparatively lower this year, enabling earlier clearance work up to Naran and nearby areas such as Battakundi.
Security arrangements are also being gradually restored. Police posts in Basal, Plundrain, Soach, Lake Road, Battakundi, and Jalkhad will resume operations in phases as the road is cleared. The police station currently operating in lower Kaghan is expected to shift back to Naran to ensure tourist safety and manage traffic effectively.
Authorities believe that the gradual reopening of the MNJ Road will restore connectivity between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the beginning of the summer tourism season in the Kaghan Valley.