ISLAMABAD: Over 150,000 tourists flocked to Pakistan’s picturesque destinations during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, taking advantage of the pleasant weather and serene landscapes across the country.
The surge in tourism began on the first day of Eid and continued through the third day, with some visitors still enjoying their time in various locations.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority on Thursday said that more than 95,000 tourists visited different destinations across the province during the Eid holidays.
Among the most popular spots, 42,111 tourists celebrated Eid in the scenic town of Naran, while 28,000 visited the lush Galiyat region.
The serene Kumrat Valley attracted 16,400 visitors, and 8,483 tourists explored the breathtaking valleys of Kalash. Furthermore, around 50,000 visitors chose to celebrate Eid in the renowned Swat Valley.
The natural beauty and pleasant weather proved to be the perfect combination for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway during the festive season.
For many, the trip to these popular destinations added to their joy of celebrating Eid.
In the Punjab region, the hill station of Murree saw an influx of thousands of visitors, especially on the second day of Eid.
Tourists from across the country made their way to the hill station to enjoy the Eid festivities. While the first day of Eid was largely spent in family gatherings, the second and third days saw people rushing to recreational spots.
Popular areas such as Bhurban, Ayubia, Mall Road, Kashmir Point, and Pindi Point remained packed with visitors throughout the holidays.
The nearby Galiyat regions, including Nathiagali and the Hazara belt, also saw a significant number of tourists exploring their scenic beauty.
However, the large crowds led to long traffic queues, especially at the Satra Meel Toll Plaza on Murree Road.
To manage the flow of vehicles, the City Traffic Police Murree implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Mughis Ahmad Hashmi said that over 200 traffic wardens were deployed to guide tourists and ensure smooth movement on the roads.
Furthermore, the administration had set up five traffic management sectors and introduced one-way traffic on key roads, including Viewforth Road, Bank Road, Hall Road, Kuldana Road, and Ridge Bell Road. Mall Road, however, was closed to all vehicles to ease congestion.
One of the most remarkable destinations that attracted tourists this Eid was Saiful Malook Lake, known for its stunning beauty and fairytale-like charm.
Located amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Malika Parbat range in Mansehra’s Kaghan Valley, the lake captivated both local and international visitors.
The journey to Saiful Malook, a lake steeped in legends, is rewarded by the breathtaking beauty of its crystal-clear, greenish-blue waters and surrounding mountains.
Spanning 1.06 square miles and sitting at an elevation of 3,224 metres above sea level, Saiful Malook offers a peaceful retreat for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
