MANSEHRA(National Times)- The dist­rict administration on Fri­­day barred tourists from travelling to Lake Saiful Muluk after the Pakistan Meteorological Depart­m­ent (PMD) forecast more monsoon rain and possible cloudbursts in Naran, the commercial hub of Kaghan Valley.

“The district administration has imposed the ban at the request of the NDMA and the PDMA to ensure the safety of tourists, as heavy rains and possible cloudbursts are expected in the coming days,” Balakot As­­sistant Commissioner Has­­rat Khan told reporters.

An order issued by the district administration stat­­ed that, in light of the PMD’s forecast of heavy rainfall and possible cloudbursts, all travel to Lake Saiful Muluk would remain banned until further orders.

Meanwhile, the business community in Kaghan Valley urged the district administration to reconsider its decision to suspend travel to the popular tourist destination.

“The district administration has already placed all its departments and Rescue 1122 on high alert in Kaghan Valley. In such a situation, travel to Lake Saiful Muluk is not dangerous,” Hussan Deen, chai­­rman of a traders’ body in Kaghan Valley, said.

He said the weather in the valley, particularly in Naran, remained pleasant and tourists should continue to visit the area.

“Our business activities are limited to only three to four months each year. Such restrictions on travel to tourist attractions discourage visitors and adve­rsely affect our busines­ses,” Mr Deen said.