New tourism projects planned for AJK's Neelum Valley

Muzaffarabad: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government is set to launch new tourism projects in Neelum Valley, part of its 100-day transformation initiative, officials disclosed. Tourism, Youth and Culture Secretary Ansar Yaqoob inspected proposed projects on Friday during a tour of Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel, and other scenic spots in the valley.

The valley, renowned for its towering cedar-dotted mountains, snow-fed rivers, falls, and multiple sub-valleys, is a magnet for tourists and nature enthusiasts from across Pakistan throughout the year. Despite providing significant employment and garnering considerable private investments, the tourism sector has incurred massive losses for three successive years due to unrest along the Line of Control, last year's clash between India and Pakistan, and law-and-order issues during protests by JAAC supporters.

Yaqoob evaluated schemes to reimburse tourism professionals and businesses for their past losses and tackle their grievances during his visit. He also inspected the progress of tourism village planning and potential recreational and ecotourism project sites. The secretary pledged to incorporate all guesthouses and hotels in the valley under a unified framework to enhance services and promote the hospitality industry in a structured, secure, and sustainable manner.

Yaqoob directed officials to expedite work on tourism projects in Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel, and other areas of the upper valley.