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PESHAWAR, Oct 21 (APP): What began as a quiet discovery in the hills of Jab Valley has now become one of Pakistan’s most inspiring eco-tourism success stories.
The Hazara Waterfalls Project, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, has officially reached completion — marking the transformation of a once-hidden natural wonder into a world-class eco-tourism destination.
Under the Water Resource Accountability Project (WRAP), WWF-Pakistan and its partners developed safe, sustainable infrastructure designed to preserve the valley’s fragile ecosystem while opening it up to responsible tourism.
The project, completed with a funding support of Rs 5 million, includes a secure walking trail, visitor hut, rest areas, and viewing decks that provide both safety and scenic access to the waterfalls — the tallest of which cascades nearly 400 feet.
Discovered in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, Founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, the Hazara Waterfalls were once known only to locals.
Today, they stand as a symbol of what collaboration between public institutions, environmental organizations, and private visionaries can achieve.
“When I first came across these waterfalls, there was no path, no name, only the sound of nature untouched,” said Hassan Nisar.
“Standing here now, seeing proper trails, eco-friendly structures, and locals benefiting from tourism — it feels like a dream fulfilled. We didn’t just complete development; we completed a vision.”
Nisar added that the initiative reflects the potential of Pakistan’s natural assets when guided by sustainable planning.
“The Hazara Waterfalls project shows that conservation and development can coexist.
Our mission was never about commercialization; it was about creating a balance between beauty, safety, and sustainability, he added.
He also praised the role of WWF-Pakistan and the FCDO for their technical guidance and long-term vision.
“Their contribution gave this project the credibility and structure it needed. This partnership proves how impactful results emerge when international cooperation meets local dedication,” Nisar said.
Raja Muhammad Tahir, a senior journalist from Haripur who has championed awareness about the site since its discovery, echoed these sentiments.
“I still remember when Hassan Nisar first documented these waterfalls there was nothing but wild terrain,” he said.
“Through consistent advocacy and community engagement, we turned a remote landscape into a recognized destination.
The completion of development work has given Haripur a new identity.
He further emphasized the importance of media responsibility and environmental care: “Now that the project is complete, the challenge is to maintain what’s been built — to protect, not exploit. Sustainable tourism must remain the priority.”
Local communities have already begun to see the benefits.
Families in Jab Valley have started small enterprises from guiding tours and offering refreshments to selling local crafts. Community elders expressed gratitude that the project has opened new economic opportunities while promoting environmental awareness among youth.
As the first phase of development concludes, the Hazara Waterfalls stand as a model for eco-tourism — uniting government support, private initiative, and community participation. What was once a hidden valley has now become a dream destination, proving that when vision meets stewardship, nature itself becomes the story.