Peshawar: Over 652,000 tourists visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s scenic destinations during the three-day Eid-ul-Adha holidays, according to the provincial Tourism Authority. Popular locations such as Galiyat, Naran-Kaghan, Malam Jabba, and Upper Dir witnessed a significant influx of visitors, highlighting the province’s growing appeal as a tourist hub.
A spokesperson for the Tourism Authority reported that Galiyat received 177,000 tourists, while 168,000 visitors headed to Naran-Kaghan. Malam Jabba attracted 160,000 tourists, and Upper Dir welcomed around 85,000 people during the festive period.
Director General of the Tourism Authority, Habibullah Arif, stated that under the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, all possible facilities were provided to ensure a smooth experience for tourists. Tourism police personnel played a key role in assisting visitors and maintaining order during the holiday season.
Arif also highlighted that a significant number of tourists visited the merged tribal districts, with authorities prioritizing comprehensive service and support for all travelers.
The tourism surge follows the reopening of the Babusar Road on May 24, 2025, which connects the town of Naran in the Kaghan Valley to Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan. The route had been closed for seven months due to heavy snowfall.
Babusar Top and Babusar Pass, known for their breathtaking views, remain inaccessible from November to June each year due to snow. The reopening of this high-altitude pass has significantly reduced travel time between Diamer and Mansehra from 14 hours via the Karakoram Highway to just 7 hours, and is expected to further boost tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Eid-ul-Adha holidays have once again underscored Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s position as a prime destination for local and national tourists alike.
