Atypical Events

Taliban Attacks Hinder Tourism in Pakistan’s Swat Valley

Posted by jessie under Amusement, Hotels

The Swat Valley is a lush, green and historic place situated in the region where South Asia, Central Asia and China meet.

Located just a few hours from the capital, Islamabad, Swat Valley used to be a prime tourist destination, with trout streams, golf, trekking trails and the only ski resort in the country. Considered to be the Switzerland of Pakistan, many were drawn to its breathtaking natural beauty until Taliban militants took over.

Last year, militants came into the area, halting tourism and business. Fighting and unrest in the area has led to a loss of tourism to the Swat Valley, including the closure of the popular ski resort at Malam Jabba.

A one-month pact banning militias and militants from outside the area was signed in May. With the signing of the pact, there was hope for tourism revival. According the pact, the government had agreed to gradually pull troops out and introduce an Islamic justice system, in exchange for the halt of militant attacks.

However, militants in north-west Pakistan burned down the ski hotel at Malam Jabba following clashes with security forces earlier this week.

The fire happened after the prime minister and the military had met and agreed on a broad outline to counter Islamist militancy.

Despite the recent truce between the government and the radical pro-Taliban cleric, three houses were torched and two relatives of a local politician shot dead. A woman also died in one of the fires, resulting in three deaths.

The ski resort at Malam Jabba is Pakistan’s only ski resort, and is at a height of 9,200 feet above sea level. The hotel offered 35 elegantly furnished rooms, roller and ice skating rinks, a restaurant and more.

Authorities were unable to reach the resort and put out the fire or inspect the damage because the area is under the militants’ control.