The district administration has temporarily suspended tourist travel to Lake Saiful Muluk following forecasts of heavy monsoon rainfall and possible cloudbursts in Naran and other parts of Kaghan Valley. The precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of visitors as adverse weather conditions are expected to affect northern Pakistan.

According to officials, the decision was taken on the recommendation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of intense rainfall that could trigger flash floods, landslides, and cloudburst-related emergencies.

Travel ban remains in effect

Balakot Assistant Commissioner Hasrat Khan said travel to the popular tourist destination will remain suspended until further notice. Authorities have urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to the area and to follow official advisories before planning trips to northern regions.

Rescue 1122 teams and other emergency response agencies have been placed on high alert across Kaghan Valley to respond quickly if weather conditions worsen.

Traders express concern

The temporary restriction has drawn criticism from local traders, who fear it could negatively affect the tourism-dependent economy.

Hussan Deen, chairman of a traders' organization in Kaghan Valley, said the weather in Naran remained pleasant and argued that travel to Lake Saiful Muluk was currently safe because emergency services were already on standby.

He noted that businesses in the valley operate for only three to four months each year and warned that restricting access to major tourist attractions could reduce visitor numbers and cause financial losses.

Officials have advised tourists to monitor the latest weather updates and wait for the administration to lift the restriction before traveling to Lake Saiful Muluk.