Tourists Flee Scenic Pakistani Valley Amid 'Risk Of War' With India Over Pahalgam Attack

Last Updated:May 02, 2025, 20:56 IST

Local businesses are reporting a sharp decline in visitors and widespread cancellations due to fears of an impending conflict between the two neighbours

Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan attracts some 300,000 tourists each summer who marvel at its natural beauty. (AFP photo)

Just less than three kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC) on the Pakistan side, Neelum Valley is facing a severe blow to tourism as the threat of war between India and Pakistan grows, following the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The scenic valley, located in northern Pakistan, typically attracts around 3,00,000 tourists each summer. However, this season, local businesses are reporting a sharp decline in visitors and widespread cancellations due to fears of an impending conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Last week, terrorists killed 26 people—mostly men—in the resort town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack has heightened tensions, with India blaming Pakistan for the incident—a charge Pakistan has denied.

Hotel owners, tour operators, and shopkeepers say the usual tourist rush has vanished. Many visitors have cancelled their trips, while new bookings have almost come to a halt. Local businesses that depend on tourism—such as guest houses, transport services, and souvenir shops—are struggling to cope with the sudden decline.

Speaking to The Associated Press, hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said the situation has severely impacted the local tourism industry. “Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war," he said.

Following the terror attack, India temporarily closed dozens of tourist resorts as a precaution. However, no similar directive was issued by Pakistani officials. In the Pakistani border town of Chakothi, bazaars remained open, though residents expressed concern over the rising tensions.

“First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first," shop owner Bashir Mughal told AP.

In the past, Pakistan assisted residents in building bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border shelling. However, with the population having grown over the years, some homes now lack proper shelters. “Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out," warned Mughal.

Saiqa Naseer, also from Chakothi, shuddered at the childhood memories of frequent firing across the border. “Now, as a mother, I find myself facing the same fears," she said.

She remembered Indian shells striking the picturesque valley when the two countries came close to war in 2019. She has a bunker at her home. “If war comes, we will stay here. We won’t run away," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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News world Tourists Flee Scenic Pakistani Valley Amid 'Risk Of War' With India Over Pahalgam Attack