SWAT: Tourists from across the country thronged Malam Jabba ski resort following its reopening after four months.

The ski resort was closed and recreational activities were suspended by the management on Nov 7 last year after some local residents allegedly manhandled its private security staff for not allowing them to enter it.

The tourists said that they were earlier disappointed when they visited Malam Jabba and wanted to enjoy ride chairlift, zip line and other facilities at the ski resort.

“I was disappointed when I visited Malam Jabba with my family members in January and found all the recreational facilities closed,” said Iqitidar Khan, a tourist from Peshawar. He added that he was overjoyed when he heard that the ski resort was reopened.

The tourists said that Malam Jabba was one of the most beautiful places for winter tourism. “I cannot believe to see high standard facilities in a winter resort. I enjoyed riding in chairlift and zip line and was excited to have fun over the white sheet of snow,” said Nazia Ahmad, a tourist from Lahore.

Many tourists said that Malam Jabba was heaven on the earth and its beauty was matchless. “I am excited to have come to Malam Jabba and got the opportunity to ride in the chairlift. The top of the peak here is very beautiful and it seems as if I am standing on the roof of the sky from where I can see a chain of mountains all around,” said Rozina Ali, a tourist from Faisalabad who visited the place with her family.

The management of the resort said that only the ski resort was reopened but some new recreational facilities including human slingshot and swing riders for tourists were also launched.

“We are trying our best to provide facilities of international standard to the tourists. Soon the ‘green valley’ will also be opened for tourists with new recreational activities,” an official in the management told Dawn.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2022