A man walks on a snowy road in Abbotabad. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan is grappling with harsh winter conditions as heavy snowfall and rains continue to disrupt life across northern, northwestern and hilly areas – from Tirah Valley to Murree, Kotli, Nakyal, Galiyat.
In the high-altitude districts of Balochistan and Azad Kashmir, residents, tourists and authorities are facing extreme challenges, prompting large-scale relief efforts and urgent warnings from meteorological and disaster management authorities.
The Pakistan Army has been spearheading relief operations and has carried out swift and professional rescue and relief initiatives in Tirah, Kotli, Nakyal, Jandrott, Pir Nasoorah and other affected areas.
Life in Tirah, in particular, came to a standstill due to heavy snowfall, with vehicles stuck and lines of communication severed. Army teams, along with the Frontier Corps, safely evacuated stranded families, restored key roads and delivered essential items including food, blankets, winter kits, emergency medical care and even gasoline to vehicles immobilized by snow.
The Kotli-Nakyal Road, vital for regional connectivity, has been fully reopened to traffic following these operations. Officials noted that despite adverse weather and logistical challenges, relief teams remained on the ground, personally overseeing the distribution of supplies and the evacuation of stranded citizens.
In a remarkable display of operational capability, the Army also conducted a helicopter rescue mission in Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir. After heavy snowfall cut off all communications on the ground, a female patient was sent safely to the Military Hospital in Rawalpindi.
The rescue mission highlighted careful coordination at every step, from helipad preparation to route recovery and timely airlift, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to prioritize human life in all circumstances.
Three people were rescued by Rescue 1122, Tourist Police, QRF squad from the mountains around to Siri Paya after two days of efforts. The teams had to go on a long eight-hour trek on foot. All three people were safely rescued from Siri Paye and transferred to Shogran
In the tourist areas of Galiyat, normal life has been badly affected as snowfall blocked key connecting roads, toppled power poles and disabled mobile networks. Residents and tourists alike were stranded in hotels and homes and faced acute shortages of food, medicine and firewood.
District administrations stepped up efforts to restore electricity, clear roads and ensure the return of tourists. Heavy machinery continues to operate in Nathiagali, Thandiani and the Galiyat-Murree corridor, with officials urging residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel.
In Murree, even though snowfall has ended, accumulated snow on roofs poses hazards. District authorities have issued strict safety guidelines warning against dumping snow on roads or paths to prevent accidents, electrical disturbances and damage to property.
Balochistan has also experienced widespread snow and rain, with heavy rainfall in the districts of Gwadar, Kech, Khuzdar, Chagai, Awaran and Quetta. Flooding, slippery roads and severe cold with temperatures as low as minus 8°C in Kalat pose serious challenges.
Meanwhile, northern lakes and high-altitude tourist destinations in Malakand and Hazara divisions have been transformed into stunning winter landscapes. Snow-filled lakes, while visually spectacular, pose additional logistical challenges for access and safety.
The most visited lakes by tourists, Saiful Malook, Ansu, Dudipatsar and Mahudhand lakes have attracted a large number of visitors this time too, offering snowy trails, frozen waterfalls and serene alpine views.
Officials from the KP Culture and Tourism Authority and the Wildlife Department have emphasized the need for environmental protection, regulating vehicular access and maintaining cleanliness to protect fragile ecosystems.
Pakistan Meteorological Department and Regional Meteorological Center Balochistan, meanwhile, issued warnings warning of continued heavy snowfall, rain, landslides, avalanches and flash floods till January 27.
The upper districts of KP, AJK, GB and Balochistan – including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Naran, Kaghan, Ziarat, Quetta and Kalat – are at high risk. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially when traveling in mountainous areas.
Provincial and local authorities in coordination with the army, PDMA and Galiyat Development Authority are on high alert, focusing on road clearance, relief distribution and evacuation of stranded persons.
Emergency teams continue to identify landslide and avalanche prone zones and ensure timely restoration of transport and communication links. Despite these disruptions, winter tourism continues to thrive, with visitors flocking to scenic lakes, valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Authorities in the catchment area have stressed caution, particularly on icy roads and high-altitude routes, and called for compliance with safety measures while allowing economic activity and tourism to continue.
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
