Latest news with #BashirMughal
New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Threat of Indian strike empties a scenic valley in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir of summer tourists
Neelum Valley is less than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides the two nations, making it vulnerable to any military activity. Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. "Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war." Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir temporarily shuttered 48 tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution. No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned. "First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first," shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict. Pakistan used to help residents to build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. "Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out," Mughal warned. 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.
Arab News
02-05-2025
- Arab News
Threat of war with India empties scenic Pakistani valley of summer tourists
MUZAFFARABAD: Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan attracts some 300,000 tourists each summer who marvel at its natural beauty. But the threat of war with nearby India has emptied its hotels. Gunmen last week killed 26 people in the Indian-administered Kashmir's resort town of Pahalgam, fueling tensions between the nuclear-armed nations after India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge Pakistan denies. Neelum Valley is less than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir, making it vulnerable to any military activity. Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. 'Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war,' he said. Authorities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir temporarily shuttered dozens of tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution. No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned. 'First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first,' shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict. Pakistan used to help residents build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. 'Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out,' Mughal warned. 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.
Toronto Star
02-05-2025
- Toronto Star
The threat of a war with India empties a scenic Pakistani valley of summer tourists
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan attracts some 300,000 tourists each summer who marvel at its natural beauty. But the threat of war with nearby India has emptied its hotels. Gunmen last week killed 26 people in the Indian resort town of Pahalgam, fueling tensions between the nuclear-armed nations after India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge Pakistan denies. Neelum Valley is less than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir, making it vulnerable to any military activity. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. 'Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war.' Authorities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir temporarily shuttered dozens of tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution. No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned. 'First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first,' shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict. Pakistan used to help residents to build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. 'Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out,' Mughal warned. 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.
San Francisco Chronicle
01-05-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Threat of war with India leaves a scenic Pakistani tourist spot empty
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan attracts some 300,000 tourists each summer who marvel at its natural beauty. But the threat of war with nearby India has emptied its hotels. Gunmen last week killed 26 people in the Indian resort town of Pahalgam, fueling tensions between the nuclear-armed nations after India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge Pakistan denies. Neelum Valley is less than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir, making it vulnerable to any military activity. Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. 'Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war." Authorities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir temporarily shuttered dozens of tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution. No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned. 'First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first,' shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict. Pakistan used to help residents to build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. 'Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out,' Mughal warned. 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.
The Independent
01-05-2025
- The Independent
Threat of war with India leaves a Pakistani tourist spot deserted
The idyllic Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan, typically bustling with 300,000 summer tourists drawn to its breathtaking landscapes, now stands deserted. The escalating tension between Pakistan and India following a deadly attack in the Indian resort town of Pahalgam has cast a long shadow over the valley's tourism industry. Last week's attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, has significantly amplified the existing friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India has pointed fingers at Pakistan for the incident, an accusation that Pakistan vehemently denies. This exchange of accusations has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, driving tourists away from the once-popular destination. Neelum Valley's precarious location, less than two miles from the Line of Control – the de facto border dividing the contested Kashmir region – further exacerbates the situation. Its proximity to the border makes it particularly susceptible to any potential military action, adding another layer of concern for potential visitors. The valley's vulnerability has transformed it from a haven of tranquility into a region gripped by anxiety, highlighting the devastating impact of geopolitical tensions on local communities and their livelihoods. Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. 'Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war." Authorities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir temporarily shuttered dozens of tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution. No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned. 'First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first,' shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict. Pakistan used to help residents to build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. 'Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out,' Mughal warned. 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 hen 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.
