A man walks along a snow-covered road in Abbotabad. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan is grappling with severe winter conditions as heavy snowfall and rain continues to disrupt life in the northern, northwestern and mountainous regions, from the Tirah Valley to Murree, Kotli, Nakyal and 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.
Pakistan Army has been at the forefront of relief operations, carrying out swift and professional relief and rescue efforts 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 trapped and communication lines disrupted. Army teams, along with the Frontier Corps, safely evacuated stranded families, restored key roads and supplied essential items, including food, blankets, winter kits, emergency medical aid and even gasoline for snow-bound vehicles.
The Kotli-Nakyal highway, crucial for regional connectivity, has been completely reopened to traffic following these operations. Officials noted that despite the 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 carried out a helicopter rescue mission in Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir. After a heavy snowfall that cut off all land communications, a patient was brought safely to the Military Hospital in Rawalpindi.
The rescue mission highlighted meticulous coordination at every stage, from helipad preparation to route restoration and timely airlift, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to prioritizing human life in all circumstances.
Three people were rescued by QRF Rescue Squad 1122, Tourism Police, from the mountains around Siri Paya after two days of efforts. The teams had to undertake a long eight-hour walk on foot. The three individuals were safely rescued from Siri Paye and transported to Shogran.
In tourist areas of Galiyat, normal life has been severely disrupted as snowfall blocked key link roads, knocked down electricity poles and disabled mobile networks. Residents and tourists alike were stranded in hotels and homes, facing severe shortages of food, medicine and firewood.
District administrations have intensified efforts to restore electricity, clear roads and ensure the safe 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 trips.
In Murree, although the snowfall has stopped, the snow accumulated on the roofs poses a danger. District authorities have issued strict safety guidelines, warning against dumping snow on roads or paths to avoid accidents, power outages and property damage.
Balochistan has also experienced widespread snow and rain, with heavy rain forecast in Gwadar, Kech, Khuzdar, Chagai, Awaran and Quetta districts. Flash flooding, slippery roads and bitter cold, with temperatures as low as -8°C in Kalat, pose serious challenges.
Meanwhile, the northern lakes and high-altitude tourist destinations in Malakand and Hazara divisions have been transformed into stunning winter landscapes. Snow-laden lakes, while visually spectacular, pose additional logistical challenges for access and safety.
The most frequented lakes by tourists, Saiful Malook, Ansu, Dudipatsar and Mahudhand, have also attracted a large number of visitors this time, offering snow-covered trails, frozen waterfalls and serene alpine views.
Authorities from the KP Culture and Tourism Authority and the Wildlife Department have emphasized the need to protect the environment, regulate vehicle access and maintain cleanliness to safeguard fragile ecosystems.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Balochistan Regional Meteorological Center issued alerts, warning of continued heavy snowfall, rain, landslides, avalanches and flash floods until January 27.
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 to mountainous regions.
Provincial and local authorities, in coordination with the Army, PDMA and Galiyat Development Authority, are on high alert, focusing on clearing roads, distributing aid and evacuating stranded people.
Emergency teams continue to identify areas prone to landslides and avalanches and ensure the timely restoration of transport and communication links. Despite these disruptions, winter tourism continues to thrive, with visitors flocking to picturesque lakes, valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Authorities in inland areas of the country have stressed caution, especially on icy roads and high-altitude routes, urging respect for safety measures while allowing economic activity and tourism to continue.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
