The number of tourists has been on the rise after the announcement of Nuristan province as a national park, local officials said, hoping that more facilities will be provided to serve the increased visitors.

According to local officials, at least 10,000 tourists visited the province in the three days of EID – July 31 to August 2, traveling to historical places and forests in the province. 

“If you look in the dusty roads and the markets, there is no park and facilities for those who visit the province,” said Saeedullah Nuristani, head of Nuristan's Provincial Council. 

Residents of other provinces who visited Nuristan said there is a lack of facilities for those who travel to Nuristan to see its natural beauty.

“It is a good place. It has many green areas,” said Walid Ghairat, a tourist.  

“It has a special nature. You feel cold even in summer,” said Mirwais, a tourist. 

“It has only been declared as national park. Nothing more has been done,” said Assadullah Wahidi, a university lecturer who visited the province.  

Back in June, the National Environment Protection Agency of Afghanistan announced that Nuristan province in the east, Nahur desert of Ghazni in the south, Imam Sahib district of Kunduz in the northeast and Darqad of Takhar province in the north have been designated as protected areas.