- Murree roads are clear, traffic teams guide stranded visitors.
- Army carries out rescues and reopens key passes in Balochistan.
- Residents and tourists of Tirah, Chilas were evacuated safely.
Pakistan’s northern regions are facing severe disruption as heavy snowfall continues to affect Murree, Tirah, Chilas, Quetta and surrounding areas, and rescue and relief operations are underway to help stranded tourists and residents.
Rawalpindi Divisional Commissioner Amir Khattak arrived in Murree to supervise the operations and visited multiple areas including Chatta Mor, Baadiyan, Jheeka Gali and Mall Road where snow is being cleared.
He said the situation in Murree is under control, but roads remain slippery, especially towards Islamabad, causing traffic disruption. “Tourists are advised to follow safety measures while travelling,” Khattak said.
The traffic police and the district administration have deployed additional personnel to guide the visitors. Snow is being removed from blocked roads with heavy machinery and crews remain on site to maintain road access.
In Balochistan, Pakistan Army carried out rescue and restoration operations amid heavy snowfall. Soldiers helped hundreds of passengers and vehicles stranded in Zhob and reopened the Alouddin Pass for light vehicles. PDMA carried out rescue operations in the affected districts and safely relocated the stranded people.
In Chilas, heavy snowfall caused the closure of the Karakoram Highway, leaving hundreds of passengers trapped in their vehicles. Similarly, in Khyber, 65 people in 25 vehicles were rescued when snow hampered travel.
Rescue operations have been expanded to cover Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera, involving 103 people and 23 vehicles.
The upper regions of Swat including Malam Jabba, Dain, Bahrain, Kalam, Marghazar, Islampur and Gabin Jabba continue to experience intermittent snowfall.
Tourists flocked to Malam Jabba to enjoy chairlift rides, snowfall and natural scenery, while nearby areas of Mingora also received snow. Road closures and power outages in high, flat areas have added to the difficulties.
In Astore, heavy snowfall at Musharraf Chowk for the past 20 hours led to road blockages due to snow, isolating the district headquarters at Gorekot, Fina Bolan and surrounding upper areas.
Authorities continue rescue operations across northern Pakistan, with teams working to ensure the safety of residents and tourists stranded by heavy snowfall.
