Litter mars picturesque Neelam Valley

September 27th marks World Tourism Day and though Pakistan is lagging behind in the Tourism industry, it is not lacking in beautiful tourist spots which attract tourists from all over the world.

One of them is Neelum Valley which is located in Azad Kashmir.

“Heaven on Earth” one of the tourists describes the beauty of Neelum Valley and truyly it its. The breathtaking views offered leave you mesmerized yet the valley is now facing excessive litter problems.

“People bring food with them when they come to visit but they don’t dispose off the trash properly- rather they will just leave the wrappers and tins behind which has resulted in excessive litter,” a local man says.

After the 2004 ceasefire at the control line, tourism started and more and more tourists would visit the valley but due to the lack of proper management and proper care, the litter situation in the valley is now a growing concern for the locals there.

“Treat our home like you would treat your own home, you won’t litter there.”

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said in his message today on World Tourism Day that promotion of tourist activities can help strengthen national economy and put the country on way to progress and development. He believes that Pakistan provides an opportunity to tourists to see natural scenes and ancient civilizations. He said K2, Nanga Parbat, Chitral, Sirkardo, Gilgit, Hunza, Swat, Hazara, Murree, and mountain ranges of Kashmir attract tourists from all over the world.

The CM said that all out efforts should be made for activating tourism industry for strengthening national economy.