SAIFUL MALOOK  –  Known for fairytales, Saiful Malook in upper Kaghan Valley drew influx of tourists and adventure sports enthusiasts during vacations of Eidul Azha amid laughter and excitement in its serene environment with waterfall emanating from Malika Perbath.

Nestled amidst snow-capped peaks of the Malika Parbat mountains range in Mansehra’s Kaghan Valley, the famous lake captivates the visitors with its fairytale-like charm.

The arduous journey from Pakistan’s plain districts to the northern highlands of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is instantly rewarded as the travelers encountered the breathtaking beauty of Saiful Malook lake, taking tourists into lap of tranquility. Spanning 1.06 square miles with a depth of 113 feet and sitting at an elevation of 3,224 meters above sea level, Saiful Malook’s oval shape with crystal-clear and greenish-blue waters leave an indelible mark on the hearts of tourists each year.  Revered as a lake of legends and princes, Saiful Malook is enveloped by the serene mountains of Malka Parbat in upper Kaghan, offering a peaceful retreat to tourists from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Named after the Persian Prince Saiful Malook, the lake attracts both international and local tourists, particularly during the summer months when its pleasant climate and cascading waterfalls from nearby glaciers add to its allure.  The lake is immortalized in Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s epic, “Fairytale of Saiful Malook,” which recounts the prince Saiful Malook quest for the fairy princess Badriul Jamala, a journey marked by enchanting stories and unfulfilled longing.  Though Pakistan boasts numerous stunning lakes like Ansoo, Lalusar, Dudipastar, and Sheosar, Saiful Malook stands out for its unique blend of fairytales, striking beauty, and pristine waters.  Children surgeon Dr Malik Riaz, attested to the lake’s exceptional charm, citing its lasting impression compared to other global lakes destinations. In the today’s digital age, he said there is a growing recognition of the potential for leveraging social media to enhance mountains and eco-tourism as well as archeology for economic development.

“My visit to Hazara division incomplete sans visit to this beautiful lake of Pakistan,” Malik Riaz arrived here with family enjoying its breathtaking beauty. He said such beautiful places need to be projected on digital media to attract foreign tourists and contribute in the country’s economic development.

Abu Zafar Sadiq, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, highlighted how the growing digital and social media can transform the tourism landscape especially Saiful Malook charm in Pakistan.  “Saiful Malook and similar breathtaking tourism sites offer stunning beauty and significant economic promise for Pakistan subject to the government patronage,” he added.

Despite its immense potential, he said, Pakistan’s tourism sector had struggled to reach its full economic potential mainly due to natural calamities and security challenges.  He emphasized the importance of embracing digital innovations, such as virtual tours of Saiful Malook through social media campaigns, to attract more visitors.

He advocated for hiring digital professionals and utilizing platforms like GPS and artificial intelligence to promote Pakistan’s diverse tourism offerings.  “I came to Saiful Malook lake to spend Eid holidays in its soothing environment with family,” said Riaz Khan, an academician and resident of Nowshera. He said Saiful Malook waterfall emanating from Malka Parbath and boats ride inside the lake add its charm.

The potential for tourism growth is evident in Pakistan, with the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) playing pivotal roles in improving infrastructure and boosting tourism, transport and hospitality industries.

He also suggested that developing attractions like a chairlift between Naran and Saiful Malook besides proposed Dir-Chitral Cable Car could generate significant revenue and enhance the socio-economic conditions of people of the region.  However, challenges remain, including environmental and accommodation concerns. Efforts to improve waste management and enhance facilities are crucial for preserving the natural beauty of Saiful Malook and other lakes of Pakistan.

Increased litter bins, sanitary workers, and improved parking facilities are among the necessary measures to maintain the lake’s allure.  Professor Naveed Farooq of Abdul Walik Khan University Mardan said Saiful Malook was identity of Pakistan and underscored the importance of digital showcasing of all lakes especially Saiful Malook for attracting foreign tourists.

“Saiful Malook Ansoo and Mahudhand lakes are gems of Pakistan. Utilizing digital technology to highlight these treasures can draw international visitors in droves and further boost tourism for economic uplift.”  He said tourism economy of Pakistan is a rapidly expanding sector, poised to generate over $4 billion and contributing over two percent to the country’s GDP. Driven by government infrastructure upgrades, easier visa policies for international travelers, and a massive surge in domestic travel, the industry is projected to reach $5.53 billion by 2029.

He said domestic tourism is the primary engine for economic development and upto 50 million domestic tourists travel annually especially during the summer months to explore the northern regions including Saiful Malook lake, boosting local hospitality, transport, and food services in northern Pakistan.

KP Wildlife Department, which oversees Saiful Malook and Lulusar lakes as national parks, is working to ensure sustainable protection and improved tourist facilities.  Future developments, such as a chairlift project and enhanced service areas, aim to elevate the tourist experience while supporting local economies.  Overall, as Pakistan continues to enhance its digital presence and infrastructure, Saiful Malook Lake remains a symbol of the nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage, poised to attract and inspire millions of visitors from around the world.