Severe snowfall across Pakistan’s northern and upper regions has brought daily life to a standstill, with major highways closed, dozens of vehicles stranded, and tourists trapped in multiple locations. At least two people have lost their lives in weather-related incidents, while several others were injured.
According to reports, heavy snowfall has disrupted road connectivity in several mountainous areas, cutting off access for local communities and visitors alike. Extreme cold temperatures and slippery roads have further worsened traffic conditions.
Balochistan: Highways Blocked, Vehicles Trapped
In northern Balochistan, a snowstorm continues to affect normal life. Dozens of vehicles heading towards Ziarat were stranded on the Quetta–Ziarat highway, while more than 100 tourists remained stuck in their vehicles in and around Chaman.
Traffic on the N-50 highway was disrupted at multiple points, suspending inter provincial travel. Authorities reported nine separate accidents due to snow and severe road slipperiness, leaving 27 people injured.
At Kojak Top, icy Siberian winds pushed temperatures down to minus 12 degrees Celsius, intensifying the cold. Near Shelabagh, multiple vehicles collided due to slippery conditions, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries. Quetta also received its first snowfall of the season, increasing cold intensity and causing urban difficulties.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Power Outages and Road Closures
Heavy snowfall was reported in Mansehra, Upper Galiyat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Kalam, Orakzai, Chitral, and Khyber districts.
In Tirah Valley, nearly 100 vehicles were stranded, while 35 people were safely shifted to secure locations. Power supply in Shangla was badly affected, and several link roads in Chitral were closed.
Tourist spots such as Naran received around six inches of snow, while Shogran recorded one and a half inches, attracting visitors despite difficult conditions.
Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK: Heavy Snow Accumulation
In Astore district, snowfall reached two to three feet in upper areas, cutting off ground links and confining residents indoors. Snowfall was also reported in Hunza and Nagar, while residents of Chipurson faced increasing hardships.
Areas including Chilas, Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, Batogah, Darel, and Tangir experienced intense cold following fresh snowfall.
Meanwhile, Azad Kashmir witnessed rainfall in plains and intermittent snowfall in upper regions. In Murree, snowfall forced authorities to partially close the Murree Expressway.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue 1122 teams are actively conducting operations in affected areas, particularly in Tirah Valley, to evacuate stranded individuals and vehicles.
Officials confirmed that 55 people travelling in around 20 vehicles were successfully rescued near Sandana. Rescue teams from Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, and Nowshera are participating in relief efforts.
In Bara Batatal, a house room collapsed due to rain, trapping five people under debris. Rescue teams recovered all victims and provided medical assistance.
Travel Advisory Issued
The Deputy Commissioner Swat has advised tourists to exercise extreme caution while travelling to Malam Jabba, Kalam, and other upper areas.
Authorities have made it mandatory to use snow chains on vehicle tyres beyond Spina Oba towards Malam Jabba. Snow clearance operations are ongoing, and tourists currently stranded have been urged to remain patient.
For public safety, travelers have been strictly instructed to stay at their current locations until roads are fully cleared.