Pahalgam, Sep 19: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said Pahalgam was once again showing signs of revival, as visitors from India and abroad arrived for a Rotary International golf tournament.
“The big thing is that, by the grace of Allah, Pahalgam is shining again,” Abdullah said while speaking in the resort town.
He said the golf tournament had brought participants from Nepal, overseas, Dubai and different parts of India, describing their response to Pahalgam and its people as 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 remained 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,” he said. “The more we promote it, the more benefit it will bring to our people.”
Asked about global tensions and recent attacks in the region, Abdullah expressed hope that the ongoing conflicts would end soon.
“Unfortunately, there are two wars going on — in Ukraine and between Iran, America and Israel,” he said, adding that the economic consequences of the conflicts were being felt around the world.
“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 responsibility had not yet been established, 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 added: “But I hope, Inshallah, this will end very soon and peace will return to the world.”
