Tourism is one of the best sources of revenue for a country as richly endowed with natural beauty as Pakistan. This can be extremely beneficial in many ways, including financial and social, and this is what we need considering how dimly the world views Pakistan as a centre of terrorism.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is heaven for the tourists, nature lovers and scientists for their experiments on varied fauna and flora, unique to the area. But for the tourism to be promoted in AJK, the AJK government must be convinced to allow foreigners to visit the areas. The second most important aspect is to improve the infrastructure of telecommunication and roads.
The roads to some of the best places to visit in AJK are not in a good condition, due to rains, floods and negligence of the government. The track that leads to Taobat, an awesome place with river, valley, green trees and streams, is the worst of all. It is not even a proper track, giant boulders are lying on the path and the whole track is dusty. But, despite all this, the tourism department is cooperative and friendly.
Most of the hotels and guesthouses in that area are not very comfortable. But the services at guesthouse in Kel, run by Kashmir Tourism Department, were good and way better than expected.
Raees Khawaja, Assistant Director AJK Tourism Department, says that the AJK government has established a chain of guest houses in different areas of Kashmir. Moreover, AJK government is planning to utilise all its sources to improve tourism in Kashmir and for this, funds have been allocated for boating, paragliding, rock-climbing, hiking and trekking.
He further states that deforestation is a severe problem in the area. In several areas, deforestation has left the mountatins barren, devoid of any greenery and lacking in charm.
Arang-Kel, once an out of the world piece of land rich with natural beauty, is slowly changing its shape due to this trend of deforestation. Trees have been cut down at a speed more than the new ones can grow up. A native Ali Zaman says that Arang-Kel was way more beautiful before the cutting down of trees. The Azad Kashmir Logging and Sawmills Corporation (AKLASC) is blamed mostly for all this. Its employees cut down trees and sell it at Rs 3,000 for a single tree that takes 50 years to grow.
Mr Khawaja says unless the government gets serious and implements immediate plans to stop deforestation and instead promotes tourism, there is no chance the financial condition of the area can get better. There should be a proper check and balance system for the plantation and cutting down of trees.
The AJK government must open its doors for foreigners. This is not only beneficial for the Kashmiri government but it will also provide a source of income for the locals. And in time the economy is sure to improve.
