As Tourism Grows in Nuristan, Residents Call for Responsible Behavior

Nuristan is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic provinces in Afghanistan and hosted thousands of tourists during the Eid holidays.

Residents of the province say that the number of visitors traveling to Nuristan has increased in recent years. However, they note that some tourists engage in behaviors that create problems for local communities.

They are calling on visitors to respect the culture, traditions, and social values of the province.

Hodoud Khan, a resident of Nuristan, said: “We ask all tourists to avoid gathering and spending time in agricultural fields when visiting Nuristan and to pay attention to cleanliness and environmental protection in recreational areas. The people of Nuristan are very hospitable and welcoming.”

Another resident, Safiullah Mohabbat, said: “Nuristan is a land of natural beauty. Tourists who visit this province should respect the culture and traditions of its people and avoid gathering in agricultural lands so that local residents do not suffer any harm.”

Most residents of Nuristan earn their livelihoods through farming and livestock raising. They ask tourists to choose places other than agricultural fields for recreation and gatherings so that crops and farmland are not damaged.

Janan, a tourist, said: “Tourists should be careful while traveling on the roads because conditions are not suitable in some areas. They should also avoid damaging the agricultural lands of Nuristan’s residents, as arable land in this province is very limited.”

Another tourist, Bashir Khan, said: “I ask tourists not to harm the people of Nuristan, to refrain from celebratory gunfire, and to avoid reckless and careless driving.”

Meanwhile, security officials in Nuristan say that during the Eid holidays, a farmer was killed as a result of celebratory gunfire by some tourists.

According to the officials, suspects linked to the incident have been arrested and are under investigation.

Authorities emphasize that tourists must strictly refrain from any illegal activities, particularly celebratory gunfire and any behavior that threatens public safety and people’s lives.

Akhtar Mohammad Muzamel, Nuristan’s police chief, said: “Tourists must observe order and avoid speeding. They should not put their own lives or the lives of others at risk. I emphasize once again that anyone who commits unlawful acts will be arrested and referred to the judicial authorities.”

Feraidun Samim, spokesperson for the governor of Nuristan, added: “Following celebratory gunfire by some tourists, one person lost his life and those responsible have been arrested. In another incident, a driver lost control of his vehicle due to negligence, causing it to fall into a river. The driver was injured, and four tourists were swept away by the water. The body of one victim has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to find the other three.”

According to information provided by local officials, nearly 80,000 tourists have visited Nuristan’s natural attractions and scenic sites since the beginning of Eid.

Officials say that compared to previous years, the number of tourists visiting Nuristan has increased significantly this year.