Tourist extortion racket busted

KHANPUR: Authorities in Khanpur have opened an investigation after a case was registered over allegations that people posing as Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) officials were collecting money from visitors at the tourist site of Bhamala.

Several influential individuals were accused of stopping tourists and other visitors at the scenic destination, misrepresenting themselves as TMA employees and demanding payments on different pretexts. The money was allegedly collected in the name of official taxes or municipal charges.

Following repeated complaints from local residents and tourists, the district administration and TMA Khanpur began a formal inquiry. A criminal case was later registered against the suspects, while legal proceedings are continuing.

Tourists visiting Bhamala and nearby areas had for several days faced harassment and unlawful payment demands. Some of the accused allegedly stopped vehicles and families and sought fees under various headings while creating the impression that the charges had government approval.

Ayesha Tahira, Town Municipal Officer Khanpur, said the administration moved quickly after receiving reports of illegal fee collection at Bhamala and started legal action without delay. She confirmed that a formal application had been submitted to the relevant police station for registration of an FIR against those involved so that all responsible persons could be proceeded against under the law.

Tahira said TMA Khanpur was committed to protecting the rights of residents and tourists, maintaining transparency and enforcing the law. She said no person or group would be allowed to collect money unlawfully from the public or cause harassment or inconvenience to visitors.

She also said the law applied equally to everyone and that action would continue against anyone involved in illegal collections, exploitation of the public or other unlawful acts.

Kaghan Valley advisory

Separately, large numbers of tourists from different parts of the country have travelled to Naran and Kaghan valleys as extreme heat continues across Pakistan.

The influx has coincided with a sharp rise in water levels in local rivers and streams due to intense heat and rapid snowmelt in the upper mountainous areas. The River Kunhar in particular is carrying increased flow, making riverbanks and nearby locations dangerous for camping and leisure activities.

In response, the Kaghan Development Authority issued an urgent advisory warning tourists not to camp along riverbanks or go near water bodies. According to the advisory issued by the KDA on May 29, camping near the River Kunhar and visiting close-range areas had become extremely dangerous because of rising water levels.

The KDA Enforcement Unit has also stepped up patrolling at multiple points beyond Naran to help ensure visitor safety.