Urgent Appeal for the Reoepning of Water Sports at Mabali Island
At Mabali Island, we’ve always aimed to be a key part of tourism and adventure in the Khanpur and Haripur areas, attracting national and international visitors to experience the natural beauty and excitement of water sports at Khanpur Lake. Our beautiful surroundings and exciting water sports at Khanpur Lake offer guests a memorable experience. However, due to a recent decision to close the Khanpur Dam area after clashes over jetty setups at main dam area, water sports have been stopped indefinitely. This has created big challenges, affecting local tourism, the livelihoods of many families, and Pakistan’s image as a friendly destination.
What’s Happening at Khanpur Dam?
The indefinite closure of Khanpur Dam was enforced after days of unrest around the setting up of illegal jetties. Conflicts arose as groups argued over who could control the jetties, leading to injuries and rising tensions, with the police finding it hard to keep the peace.
Recently, TMA Khanpur also set up a “boat association,” which has added to the issues. Many long-standing jetty operators feel they have been unfairly left out due to favoritism, despite supporting local tourism for over 15 years. This closure has hit local businesses hard, including ours at Mabali Resort, putting the incomes of many families at risk.
Mabali Resort’s Dedication to Safe Tourism
As a well-established resort in the area, Mabali Island is located 5 km from the main dam area where these conflicts are taking place. We offer pre-booked, well-regulated water sports experiences for a diverse group of guests. Unlike other operators, we follow strict safety procedures and provide a structured, safe experience for all visitors. Our award as the “Best Adventure and Water Sports Resort” by the Chief Minister of KPK shows our commitment to safe, sustainable tourism.
Our Points for Reopening
- Location: Mabali Island operates 5 KM away from the main dam area and should not be affected by conflicts over jetties.
- Different Operations: With our special guest base and pre-booked services, our model is different from regular jetty operators, lowering any chance of conflicts.
- Following Rules and Supporting the Community: As a regular taxpayer, Mabali follows all guidelines, directly supporting the local economy.
- Tourism Impact: Stopping water sports not only hurts our business but also affects Pakistan’s image, especially as we have international guests who visit the area through our services.
Why Reopening is Important
Stopping water sports affects the entire tourism system in Khanpur, from local businesses and families to the many tourists seeking unique experiences at Khanpur Lake. Mabali Island’s approach to tourism is to give guests a special experience while supporting the community. Reopening our water sports will fulfill prior bookings and help get tourism back on track in the area.
A Call for Support
We urge the public, local communities, and government officials to support the reopening of water sports at Mabali Island and to help quickly solve the ongoing issues at Khanpur Dam. The current unrest disrupts not only local businesses but also Pakistan’s reputation as a safe, tourist-friendly destination.
Thank you to everyone who stands by us during this challenging time. Let’s work together to keep Khanpur a beautiful and thriving tourist destination.
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