PESHAWAR
\nAs families across Pakistan started arriving to explore the lush green valleys of Khyber Pakthunkhwa during summer holidays, uncertainty surrounding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has begun to worry tourists, tour operators and local communities whose livelihoods largely depend on rivers, lakes and water parks.
\nExperts urged the World Bank, the treaty\u2019s guarantor, to force India to uphold the 1960 treaty obligations, warning that prolonged uncertainty over water flows could have negative consequences for water tourism, environmental, economic and social security for downstream regions of Pakistan.
\nFor thousands of families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, water is more than a natural resource but a heartbeat of tourism, source of livelihoods, and adventure sports attraction that draws visitors from across Pakistan.
\nFrom the crystal-clear blue waters of fairytale Saiful Malook lake to the tranquil Lalusar lake to various water parks in KP and Azad Kashmir, the region has become one of Pakistan\u2019s fastest-growing water tourism destinations.
\nHowever, tourism stakeholders feared that any prolonged disruption in natural river flows due to illegal abyance of IWT by India could affect these water attractions, with serious implications for local businesses, hotels, transport services and adventure tourism.
\nWhile packing for a week-long family trip to Naran-Kaghan, Peshawar-based economist Sumbul Riaz recalled how annual visits to the region had become a cherished family tradition since her childhood.
\n\u201cEvery summer, my family and I travel to Naran-Kaghan to enjoy its breathtaking lakes, water parks and waterfalls eminating from tall mountains,\u201d he told APP.
\n\u201cThere is something magical about sitting beside the flowing streams of Rivers Sindh and Kunhar, listening to the sound of waterfalls and breathing fresh mountain air. These awesome places give families memories that last a lifetime.\u201d
\nSumbul said Saiful Malook lake in Upper Kaghan valley remains one of her favourite destinations due to its oval shape and crystal clear water emanating from Malka Perbath .
\n\u201cSurrounded by towering deodar forests and snow-covered peaks, the entire journey is an adventure. Every turn offers a new postcard-like view.\u201d
\nHaving visited Naran-Kaghan several times, he also praised its Ansu lake that take tourists over-the-moon.
\n\u201cIt is a perfect picnic destination for families. The peaceful atmosphere, cool breeze and natural beauty attract visitors from all over the country.\u201d Khanpor dam in Haripur is famous for water tourism and such facilities will be affected if violations of IWT continued by fascist Modi regime. Likewise, water sports at Kund park in Nowshera on bank of River Indus will be adversally affected if illegal abyance of the treaty continues.
\nThese dams, lakes and water parks are easily accessible and offers an excellent opportunities for sightseeing and adventure tourism. Hotels and guest houses nearby make it convenient for visitors.\u201d These water parks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir are hidden gems that continue to attract nature lovers during the hot summer months.
\nBefore leaving for Swat, she expressed concern over the future of these natural attractions if IWT violations continued. \u201cIf these rivers, water parks, lakes and waterfalls lose their natural flow, tourism will inevitably suffer, in KP and hundreds of thousands will jobless with reign of hunger and starvation,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cWhen there is no water, there is no tourism and employment.\u201d According to her, thousands of families in KP earn their livelihoods through hotels, restaurants, transport services, boating, guiding, handicrafts and adventure tourism.
\nShe said reduction in tourist arrivals in Upper KP would directly affect local employment and household income, which will likely to create human rights issue due to India\u2019s illegal act.
\nEnvironmental observers maintained that the rivers flowing through northern KP support not only tourism but also biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
\nHealthy rivers sustained fish populations, forests and wildlife while supporting recreational activities such as rafting, boating, fishing and camping that have become increasingly popular among domestic tourists.
\nCommunities across Mansehra, Batagram, Shangla and Kohistan and adjoining districts have invested heavily in tourism infrastructure over the past decade, making environmental sustainability increasingly important for local economic growth.
\nSenior lawyer Malik Ashfaq said that international agreements governing shared rivers should continue to function through established legal mechanisms. \u201cIWT has survived decades of conflict and wars because it established technical institutions capable of resolving disputes peacefully,\u201d he told APP.
\nHe said recent developments concerning the treaty have raised important legal and diplomatic questions that require engagement through internationally recognised dispute-resolution mechanisms. \u201cThe World Bank and other relevant institutions have an important role in encouraging continued dialogue and adherence to treaty obligations,\u201d he added. According to Malik Ashfaq, confidence in international agreements depends on respecting established legal frameworks.
\nHe said that India lost all legal grounds after historic judgment of International Court of Arbitration in favour of upholding IWT. Professor Dr A. H Hilali, Chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Peshawar, said water security has direct implications for water tourism, agriculture, food production, environmental sustainability and energy sectors.
\n\u201cWater is central to Pakistan\u2019s economy and to the livelihoods of millions of people,\u201d he said.
\nHe said that uncertainty over transboundary water management could affect sectors ranging from farming and hydropower to eco-tourism if left unresolved.
\n\u201cDialogue, international law and peaceful engagement remain essential for addressing water-related challenges between neighbouring countries,\u201d he said.
\nTourism officials estimated that every summer thousands of visitors travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir\u2019s valleys, supporting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, campsite owners, guides, photographers and local artisans.
\nFor many families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the tourism season provides income that supports their families to live with dignity throughout the year.
\nAs children splash in icy streams of Kaghan and families enjoying boats rides in Saiful Malook lake, residents hope continue water will help enhance beauty of these water facilities and landscapes.
\nWhether admired from the shores of Ansu Lake, the emerald waters of Saiful Malook and Lalusar lakes or the roaring cascades of waterfalls, the region\u2019s waterways remain the defining feature of KP\u2019s tourism identity.
\nFor visitors like Sumbul Riaz, the appeal is simple that people come here because nature is alive due to water flow, urging World Bank to step in and take action against RSS backed Hinduvata regime that threatens peace of South Asia.
\nShe said protecting these western rivers means protecting the livelihoods and future of millions of people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR As families across Pakistan started arriving to explore the lush green valleys of Khyber Pakthunkhwa during summer holidays, uncertainty surrounding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has begun to worry tourists, tour operators and local communities whose livelihoods largely depend on rivers, lakes and water parks. Experts urged the World Bank, the treaty\u2019s guarantor, to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-553398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-peshawar"],"yoast_head":"\n