Several meters of snow reported in AJK, KP and Gilgit-Baltistan as cold continues
People gather along a snow-covered area near the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman. Photo: AFP
Continuous snowfall and severe cold weather in Pakistan’s upper regions have badly disrupted daily life, with several meters of snow reported over Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, officials said on Saturday.
The extreme weather has led to the closure of major roads and connecting roads, power outages and hundreds of people stranded. Landslides and avalanches have been reported in several places, while large-scale rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the Pakistan Army and the civil administration.
Authorities have warned that the intense cold and snowfall is likely to continue over the next few days and have advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel.
In Azad Kashmir, heavy snowfall since last night has paralyzed normal life in Neelum Valley, Upper Neelum, Athmuqam, Sudhnoti, Bagh and Hattian Bala, where roads to several upper areas remain completely blocked.
In Haveli district, around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance, got trapped in heavy snow, leaving around 100 people, including women and children, stranded. After receiving information about the situation, the Pakistan Army launched an immediate rescue operation and safely rescued 32 passengers despite extremely harsh weather conditions.
During the operation, two bodies being transported in an ambulance were also recovered and the bereaved families praised the army’s timely response.
Read: Snow paralyzes KP, 9 dead in Chitral
Snowfall was also recorded in Muzaffarabad after many years, greatly increasing the intensity of the cold. In Neelum Valley, two houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall, though no loss of life was reported. Several highways have been closed due to snowfall and landslides, causing great difficulty for local residents.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have badly affected the power system in various parts of Azad Kashmir. Electricity poles collapsed at several places, while power supply has been interrupted for more than 24 hours due to burst transmission lines. Officials said restoration work would begin when weather conditions improve, but harsh conditions are currently hampering repairs.
Intermittent snowfall continues in the upper reaches of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where roads in the Kaghan Valley have been closed, prompting the district administration to ban entry for tourists. Tourists have been stopped at Balakot to prevent accidents.
Traffic has also been suspended in Dir Upper, Kumrat and Lowari tunnel due to heavy snowfall and slippery roads, causing serious problems to locals and travelers alike. The authorities have expressed fears of food shortages in some areas.
Read more: Rain and snow trigger a cold wave over Pakistan
Snowfall was recorded in Malakand after many years, further intensifying the cold. In some areas, trees collapsed on roads under the weight of snow and strong winds, disrupting traffic. The administration has started clearing to reopen roads.
Rescue operations are underway in Khyber district where stranded people have been shifted to Painda Cheena School and Hostel. According to the Deputy Commissioner, temporary housing and essential facilities are being made available. Separately, four tourists stranded for 22 hours at Shangla Top were rescued and moved to a safe place.
The situation remains particularly dire in Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy snowfall and landslides in Chilas and Upper Kohistan have forced the closure of the Karakoram Highway at several points, stranding hundreds of passengers and cargo vehicles and disrupting the supply of essential goods.
Read also: Murree hit by blizzard as 5,000 tourists stranded
In the Astore district, life has come to a standstill after heavy snowfall cut land links with the rest of the country. Between five and six feet of snow has accumulated in Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat and Burzil Top. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked the road, prompting authorities to call in heavy machinery to clear it.
In Hunza and Nagar, snowfall has closed connecting roads, creating serious problems for residents. In Chipurson Valley, earthquake-affected families living in tents are facing extremely harsh conditions amidst severe cold and continuous snowfall.
Aid organizations are considering alternative routes and air means to deliver essential supplies to affected areas.
Authorities across the upper regions remain on high alert, with district administrations, rescue agencies and the Pakistan Army coordinating efforts. The Meteorological Department has warned that cold and snowfall is likely to continue for the next few days, which could worsen the conditions further.
