A visit to Naran 1962
It was summer 1962, my late father ,whom we affectionately call ,Khan jee, who was tha Police officer of Balakot, Kaghan area ,asked me and Naseem my sister to prepare for a visit to Kaghan and Naran.
We were having summer vacation due to the hot weather of Balakot.
It was a warm sunny day we departed for the valley.
The road from Balakot towards Naran was all un mettled and very narrow, traffic was only allowed one way, in the morning towards Kaghan and in evening from Naran towards Balakot.
No public transport was available, old village jeeps were plying, carry goods and passengers.
I got a seat in goods carying jeep, while Khan jee and Naseer were in other jeep.
Quite narrow roads were proving the dexterity of drivers, particularly crossing wooden bridges, made of big planks, over streams and nullas, and at brim of road one can see the roaring mighty Kunhar, in the it’s peak level.
We would for breaks ,there was no hotel or tea stall any where, small shops selling local handicrafts.
Kaghan was small village having a police post on the road side.
After a day journey we reached Naran.
It a surprise to see electricity in house of local officer were myself Naseerm were lodging with the family ,Balakot didn’t have electricity, a hydel power station was supplying the facility to Naran.
Kanjee was staying in the only government rest house, which was available.
In day time we strolled in shanty bazar, surrounded by tiny helmets, only a few private guesthouses were visible, prominent was Sardar Shoukat Hayat s’ cottage.
The only government rest house was constructed on riverside, for the visit of Ayub khan, the track to Saifulmaluk lake not jeepable, the old hut beside the lake was also built for Ayub khan, who flew in Chopper to the lake.
We were not allowed to hike towards Saifulmaluk ,having too lean legs, we both were 2nd class.
A guide took us to cave of the legendary prince near road, stories of mighty Jinn,and Parri were narrated, which remained echoing in my mind .
It was very busy road, as Karakurum Highway was not built, Gilgit, Baltistan road link ,with down country depended on track. open from June to October.
The Kohistan district of KPK, having no road link, the Kohistani would trek crossing 12000 feet Supat meadow, in to Kaghan, I still remember these weiry travelers in Balakot area
Khan jee would tell us, how the administration managed to tame there Kohistani tribal elders for permitting KKH through their area.
In 80 s and 90, many times I had been to valley, as DOFC and SSP Mansehra, but the charm of my visit is still refreshing.
Alas we don’t have care for the nature, hilly areas are polluted by unplanned development.
Khalid Masood
Ex DPO Chitral.
