Tourism in northern Pakistan is set to revive as authorities begin snow clearance operations on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road, bringing the reopening of Naran closer after nearly six months of closure.
The road, a vital link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, had been blocked since November due to heavy snowfall in Kaghan Valley. Now, the National Highway Authority has initiated large-scale efforts to remove snow and glaciers from the route.
Local officials and hotel owners are optimistic that traffic to Naran may resume within the next few days, although full restoration of the road could take up to four to five weeks. Business owners have already started returning to prepare for the upcoming tourist season.
🏔️ Current Situation
While progress is being made, key tourist routes, including access to Lake Saiful Muluk, remain blocked due to heavy snow and landslides. Authorities are also working to reactivate police posts along the route to ensure safe travel for visitors.
The reopening of Naran is expected to boost tourism, benefiting hotels, transport services, and local businesses across the region.
🏥 Healthcare Development in Hazara
In a separate development, King Abdullah Teaching Hospital has launched mammography services, marking a major step forward in women’s healthcare in Hazara Division.
The hospital is now among the few public-sector facilities in the region offering advanced diagnostic services, including MRI, CT scans, and dialysis. Previously, patients had to travel to Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy for such services.
Officials confirmed that free treatment and diagnostic services are being provided under the Sehat Sahulat Programme, improving healthcare access for residents of Mansehra and surrounding districts.
