MANSEHRA — The district administration of Mansehra on Friday imposed an immediate ban on tourist travel to the iconic Lake Saiful Muluk, following heavy monsoon rainfall warnings and potential cloudburst forecasts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) for the Kaghan Valley.
The decision was taken at the request of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to protect visitors from landslides and flash floods along the narrow mountain routes leading to the alpine lake.
Important Update – The Naran–Lake Saif Ul Malook Road is closed to all traffic until further notice due to heavy rainfall and the risk of cloudbursts, as per PMD, NDMA and PDMA advisories.
Avoid unnecessary travel and rely only on official updates. #KPTourism pic.twitter.com/0ijGDqnuuT
— Tourism, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Deptt, KP (@TCAKPGovt) July 31, 2026
Tourist Significance of Lake Saiful Muluk
Nestled at an elevation of 3,224 meters (10,578 feet) at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran, Lake Saiful Muluk is one of Pakistan’s highest and most celebrated natural attractions.
- Crown Jewel of Kaghan: Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that mirror the towering Malika Parbat peak (5,290m), the glacial lake attracts hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists during the short summer season from May to September.
- Cultural & Folklore Hub: Immortalised in Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s classical Sufi poetry, the lake is famous for the legendary romance between Prince Saiful Muluk and the fairy princess Badri-ul-Jamal, making it a cornerstone of local heritage and tourism promotion.
- Economic Driver: The lake supports a vibrant local economy of jeep drivers, tour guides, boat operators, photographers, and hospitality businesses centred in Naran.
Safety Directive vs. Local Business Concerns
Balakot Assistant Commissioner Hasrat Khan confirmed that formal orders have been issued restricting all vehicular and pedestrian access to the lake until further notice. All concerned departments, along with Rescue 1122 teams, have been placed on high alert across Naran and surrounding areas.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from the local business community, who argue that such sudden restrictions severely disrupt their limited earning window.
| Stakeholder / Entity | Position & Directives | Key Arguments |
|---|---|---|
| District Administration / PDMA | Imposed travel ban to Lake Saiful Muluk | Severe weather, cloudburst risks, and landslides pose serious danger on mountain routes. |
| Kaghan Traders Body | Urged immediate review of the ban | Weather in Naran remains pleasant; emergency services are on alert; business season lasts only 3–4 months. |
| Emergency Services (Rescue 1122) | High alert across Kaghan Valley | Rapid response teams stationed along vulnerable corridors. |
“Our commercial activities are strictly limited to just three to four months each year. Abrupt travel restrictions to major tourist attractions discourage visitors and severely hit local livelihoods.”
— Hussan Deen, Chairman of Kaghan Valley Traders Body
