Pahalgam, Sep 19: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said Pahalgam was showing signs of revival, with visitors from across India and abroad arriving for a Rotary International golf tournament.
“By the grace of Allah, Pahalgam is shining again,” Abdullah said while speaking in the resort town.
He said the tournament had brought participants from Nepal, Dubai and other overseas destinations, besides different parts of India, and their response to Pahalgam and its people was encouraging.
“I am happy to see that they are extremely delighted to see how beautiful this area is and how much love the people have for their arrival,” he said.
Abdullah said tourism was central to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and called for greater efforts to promote the sector.
“We believe that without tourism, there is nothing in Jammu and Kashmir. The more we promote it, the more benefit it will bring to our people,” he said.
Asked about global conflicts and their impact, Abdullah said the economic consequences of wars were being felt around the world and expressed hope that peace would return.
“Unfortunately, there are two wars going on-in Ukraine and between Iran, America and Israel,” he said.
“The world today wants this war to stop and for peace to return there,” he said.
On a reported drone attack on Makkah, Abdullah said it was not yet clear who was responsible, noting that both the Houthis and Iran had denied involvement.
“It is not yet completely clear who did it,” he said. “But someone else is carrying this out.”
Abdullah expressed hope that the conflicts would end soon.
“I hope, Inshallah, this will end very soon and peace will return to the world,” he said.
