Work at the Hazara Waterfalls in Jab Valley, Haripur, has been successfully completed under a UK-funded eco-tourism initiative aimed at turning the site into one of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s most distinctive natural attractions. The project, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through WWF-Pakistan’s Water Resource Accountability Project (WRAP), has delivered the first phase of development, creating safer and more accessible facilities for visitors while preserving the valley’s delicate ecosystem.
With a budget of Rs5 million, the initiative has constructed a secure walking trail, a visitor hut, and viewing platforms designed to enhance accessibility and ensure environmental safety. These new facilities replace the hazardous paths previously used by residents and tourists, providing a safe route to the waterfalls’ eight major cascades, the tallest of which reaches nearly 400 feet. The improvements are aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism and generating sustainable economic benefits for the local community.
Discovered in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, Founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, the Hazara Waterfalls have quickly emerged as a key destination in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s tourism landscape. Reflecting on the completed work, Nisar described the experience as deeply emotional. He noted that the area, once hidden and known only to locals, now features safe pathways, eco-friendly structures, and opportunities for local families to earn from tourism. Nisar emphasized that the project demonstrates the potential of public-private collaboration and Pakistan’s unexplored natural assets. “Our goal was not just to build trails, but to build hope,” he said, highlighting the positive impact on local youth employed as guides and vendors.
Raja Muhammad Tahir, a Haripur-based journalist who has actively promoted the waterfalls, praised the project’s completion. He highlighted that the valley’s recognition on the tourism map of Pakistan is the result of sustained effort and vision rather than chance. Tahir stressed the importance of continued media coverage and responsible tourism management to preserve the valley’s pristine environment, ensuring that visitors respect nature and local communities continue to benefit.
Local residents have also expressed optimism about the project’s long-term economic and social impact. Several families have begun offering guided tours, refreshments, and handmade crafts, creating new income opportunities while fostering environmental awareness among younger generations.
With the first phase now complete, the Hazara Waterfalls have been transformed from a remote natural wonder into a managed eco-tourism destination. The site now offers visitors a rare combination of breathtaking natural beauty, community development, and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the region.