Several feet of snow reported in AJK, KP and Gilgit-Baltistan as cold wave continues
People gather along a snow-covered area near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman. Photo: AFP
Continuous snowfall and severe cold weather in Pakistan’s upper regions has severely disrupted daily life, with several feet of snow reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, officials said on Saturday.
The extreme weather has led to the closure of main and connecting roads, power outages and hundreds of people trapped. Landslides and avalanches have been reported at multiple locations, while large-scale rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the Pakistan Army and civil administration.
Authorities have warned that bitter cold and snowfall are 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, were stuck in heavy snow, leaving around 100 people, including women and children, stranded. After receiving information about the situation, Pakistan Army launched an immediate rescue operation and safely rescued 32 passengers despite extremely harsh weather conditions.
Two bodies were also recovered during the operation and were being transported in an ambulance, and bereaved families praised the army’s timely response.
Read: Snow paralyzes KP, leaves 9 dead in Chitral
After many years, snowfall was also recorded in Muzaffarabad, which considerably increased the intensity of the cold. In Neelum Valley, two houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall, although no loss of life was reported. Several roads have been closed due to snowfall and landslides, creating serious difficulties for local residents.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have severely affected the power system in several parts of Azad Kashmir. Electricity poles collapsed in several places, while power supply remained suspended for more than 24 hours due to broken transmission lines. Officials said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improved, but harsh conditions are currently hampering repairs.
Intermittent snowfall continues in the highlands of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa where roads in the Kaghan Valley have been closed, prompting the district administration to ban entry of tourists. Tourists have been stopped at Balakot to avoid accidents.
Traffic was also suspended at Dir Upper, Kumrat and Lowari Tunnel due to heavy snowfall and slippery roads, causing severe difficulties for both locals and commuters. Authorities have expressed fears of food shortages in some areas.
Read more: Rain and snow cause cold wave in Pakistan
After many years, snowfall was recorded in Malakand, which further intensified the cold. In some areas, trees fell onto roads under the weight of snow and strong winds, disrupting traffic. The administration has started cleaning operations to reopen roads.
Rescue operations continue in Khyber district where stranded people have been shifted to Painda Cheena School and Hostel. According to the deputy commissioner, temporary accommodation and essential facilities are being provided. On the other hand, four tourists stranded for 22 hours in Shangla Top were rescued and taken to a safe place.
The situation remains particularly serious 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.
Also read: Murree hit by snowstorm and 5,000 tourists stranded
In the Astore district, life has come to a standstill after heavy snowfall cut off land connections to the rest of the country. Five to six feet of snow has accumulated at Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat and Burzil Top. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked the road, prompting authorities to call for heavy machinery to clear it.
In Hunza and Nagar, snowfall has closed connecting roads, creating serious problems for residents. In the Chipurson Valley, earthquake-affected families living in tents face extremely harsh conditions amid bitter cold and continuous snowfall.
Relief agencies are considering alternative routes and air means to deliver essential supplies to affected areas.
Authorities in the upper regions remain on high alert, with district administrations, rescue agencies and the Pakistan Army coordinating response efforts. The Department of Meteorology has warned that cold weather and snowfall are likely to persist over the next few days, which could make conditions even worse.
