Marmul District in Balkh Province hosts a large number of domestic tourists.

Tourists said that in the past years, due to insecurity, they were deprived of visiting beautiful and recreational areas in the country; but now they can visit the country's attractions with peace of mind.

Pesta Mazar, a recreational area full of pistachio trees in Marmul District of Balkh Province, located 20 kilometers from the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, is where these days, youth and families engage in cooking and other entertainments such as kite flying and ball games.

"Here is peace, and there is eagerness with which people have come here, along with their families, and it's very good," said Zalmay, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif.

"It's a very good atmosphere; those who have come here with their families are having a great time," said Samiullah Sadeed, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif.

The increase in tourists and visitors in the Pesta Mazar area has also created work opportunities for some residents of Balkh Province.

"This is our first Friday, and until Eid al-Adha, we will be serving our compatriots on Fridays at this place," said Nesar Ahmad, a kite seller.

"Thank God, it's very good; on Fridays, people come here for recreation, and we are happy with our work," said Gulbuddin, a driver.

The Balkh security commander also pledged serious efforts aimed at providing better security in the province.
Abdul Raziq Rashid, Balkh’s security commander, said: "Any of our compatriots from any corner of Afghanistan can come to the districts of Balkh Province day and night as the security is very good."

Following continuous rains and the greening of plains and pastures, more citizens of the country spend their holidays in green and recreational areas, and since the beginning of the month of Hamal (first month of solar calendar), this trend has significantly increased in all provinces.