With security restored, tourists stream to Kunar

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): The number of domestic tourists visiting eastern Kunar province has spiked recently, local officials say.

Deputy Director of Information and Culture Hashmatullah Zman said thousands of tourists thronged Kunar for sightseeing during Eid-ul-Fitr days.

He added most tourists came to Kunar from Nangarhar, Laghman, Kandahar, Kabul and Khost provinces.

Blessed with immense natural beauty, each part of Kunar is easily accessible to tourists, according to the official, who claimed there were no security concerns.

Some tourists said they were thrilled to go to different parts of the province without security threats.

Mohammad Agha, coming from Kandahar province, visited the Binshai area of Dangam district. He said: “I am really happy that peace has finally been restored across the country and we are able to visit all parts of it.”

Sardar Shafiq, a resident of Khost province, visited the Chapa Dara district. He commented: “Kunar is beautiful but there are fewer facilities for tourists. Roads here are lousy and there are no hotels.”

He asked the government to focus on boosting the tourism sector in the province and provide more facilities for visitors.

He believed tourism could play a vital role in the economic development of the province, and the country as a whole.

nh/mud