Illegal ziplines at popular tourist spots in Swat have been shut down as authorities step up efforts to improve visitor safety. Officials say the action was taken because the operators were running the adventure rides without the required government approvals, raising concerns about safety and legal compliance.
The Swat District Administration, along with the Swat Development Authority, sealed a number of unauthorized ziplines during a joint inspection carried out at major tourist destinations. The operation covered Mahodand, Saifullah Lake, Chashma Shafa Aabshar and several other tourist sites. During the inspection, officials found that the zipline operators had failed to obtain the mandatory No Objection Certificates (NoCs), which are required before such facilities can legally operate.
As a result, the authorities immediately closed the illegal ziplines and instructed the operators not to resume services until they secure all necessary approvals and fully comply with safety and security standards.
Officials said the crackdown is part of an ongoing campaign to make tourist destinations safer and ensure that all adventure activities follow government regulations. They added that visitors should only use facilities that have been officially approved and meet safety requirements.
Swat is one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every year with its mountains, lakes and adventure activities. Among its best-known attractions is the Malam Jabba Zipline, one of the country’s highest and fastest ziplines.
Located at an altitude of 9,200 feet, it stretches about 2,000 feet across the valley, stands nearly 1,000 feet above the ground and can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour.
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