Town officials in Abbottabad, Pakistan, have decided to give the location where Bin Laden was captured a new look. Bin Laden lived here with his family until May 2011, when he was killed in a U.S. raid.
In an effort to revive tourism in the area and prove to the world that theirs is not a terrorist destination, the town will build an amusement park.
Abbottabad is located 30 miles (48 km) north of the capital city of Islamabad, making it easily accessible for tourists. The Hazara Heritage Park and Amusement City will include restaurants, a mini golf course and a butterfly zoo, according to
The Guardian.
The five-year project is set to cost approximately £20 M ($31.5 M / €23 M). Provincial MP Javed Abbasi describes the park as a must-see attraction for those traveling to Pakistan.
"This will be one of the biggest amusement parks in Pakistan and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the country and the world," Abbasi says.
"It was unfortunate that Osama stayed here but I don't think it was the fault of the city, where he had no support. People are not fanatic, they do not support terrorists – you cannot blame a city if someone hides here," he adds.
Abbasi stresses that the park will create jobs and change visitors' perception of a war-torn Abbottabad.
"The specific idea for this park is to show that this is a safe area. [...] There is no militancy over here, no terrorism; the people are safe," he explains.
55-year-old resident Hamuyoon Khan Jadoon expresses his support for the initiative, which locals are excited about.
"The capture of Osama had tarnished the image of this beautiful and peaceful city. [...] But the construction of such a park will create a positive image of Abbottabad," he describes.
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