New tourism projects planned for Neelum Valley

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jam­mu and Kashmir (AJK) government is planning to develop new recreational and ecotourism parks, heritage sites and other tourist facilities in Neelum Valley as part of its 100-day transformation programme, officials said. Tourism, Youth and Culture Secre­tary Ansar Yaqoob on Friday reviewed the proposed projects during a visit to Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel and other tourist destinations in the upper reaches of the valley. Home to lofty, cedar-forested mountains, snow-fed streams and waterfalls and numerous sub-valleys, the nearly 150km-long valley attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and nature lovers from across the country throughout the year. Its hospitality sector has also attracted substantial private investment and provides livelihoods to a large number of local people. The sector, however, has suffered heavy losses for three consecutive years amid disruptions caused by tensions along the Line of Control, last year's military confrontation between India and Pakistan and the law-and-order situation during protests by supporters of the now-proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Mr Yaqoob reviewed measures to compensate tourism-related people and businesses for their past losses and address their grievances, according to an official statement. During his visit, he also revie­wed progress on tourism village planning and inspected sites for potential recreational and ecoto­urism projects. Assistant Direc­tor Tourism Malik Murtaza briefed him on ongoing tourism activities, proposed schemes and facilities available at different locati­ons. The secretary said all guesthouses and hotels in the valley would be brought under an integrated fra­mework to improve services and promote the hospitality industry on organised, safe and sustainable lines. He said sites for recreational and ecotourism parks, heritage locations and lease arrangements had been identified and finalised, while additional destinations were being considered for inclusion in development plans. Mr Yaqoob direc­ted officials to accelerate work on tourism projects in Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel and other parts of the upper valley. Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2026