ISLAMABAD: Hidden deep in Jab Valley, Haripur, the spectacular Hazara Waterfalls are now being primed to take their place among Pakistan’s leading tourist destinations. A new eco-tourism initiative, backed by UK funding, has been launched to transform the site into a major attraction while preserving its natural beauty.
The project, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through WWF-Pakistan’s Water Resource Accountability Project (WRAP), kicked off this week with an initial grant of Rs5 million. The first phase will see the construction of a safe walking trail and a small tourist hut, replacing the treacherous footpath currently used by locals to carry firewood. Work is expected to be completed by mid-October.
The Hazara Waterfalls are no ordinary sight. With eight major cascades, including one that plunges nearly 400 feet, they form the tallest waterfall system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located just two hours from Islamabad, the site offers easy access to visitors while feeding into the Haro River, which winds its way past the ancient Bhamala Stupa before flowing into Khanpur Dam. Only 27 kilometers separate the valley from the dam, making it a natural addition to the region’s growing tourism circuit that blends breathtaking landscapes with rich heritage.
First discovered in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, CEO of Metrix Pakistan, the waterfalls have until now remained relatively unknown outside the local community. For Nisar, this project is a breakthrough moment. “This investment is a game-changer. Jab Valley has the potential to become Pakistan’s next big tourism destination,” he said, adding that the development will not only boost conservation but also open new economic opportunities for the area’s youth, shopkeepers, and guides.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Department has welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step that will attract new visitors while ensuring that the fragile environment of Jab Valley is protected. Tourism experts agree, arguing that the valley could soon emerge as an appealing alternative to overcrowded destinations such as Naran, Kaghan, and Swat.
WWF-Pakistan has emphasized that environmental preservation will remain at the heart of the project, noting that its success could become a model for future eco-tourism development across the province.
With work already underway and the first facilities set to open in the coming weeks, Jab Valley now stands on the brink of recognition as a rare blend of nature and history where Pakistan’s tallest waterfalls meet centuries-old heritage.
