ISLAMABAD – Heavy and continuous snowfall coupled with extreme cold has severely disrupted normal life across Pakistan’s upper regions, blocking major roads, damaging power infrastructure, and leaving hundreds of people stranded in remote areas.
Officials said several districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan have received several feet of snow, forcing the closure of key link roads and cutting off electricity in many localities. Reports of landslides and avalanches have also emerged, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations by the Pakistan Army and civil administration.
In AJK, severe snowfall since last night has brought life to a standstill in Neelum Valley, Upper Neelum, Athmuqam, Sudhnoti, Bagh, and Hattian Bala, where roads remain completely blocked. In Haveli district, around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance, were trapped in the snow, carrying nearly 100 passengers, including women and children.
Upon receiving information, the Pakistan Army launched an immediate rescue operation and safely evacuated 32 passengers to secure locations despite harsh weather conditions. Two bodies being transported in an ambulance were also recovered during the operation, drawing appreciation from the victims’ families for the Army’s timely response.
Muzaffarabad recorded snowfall after several years, significantly intensifying the cold. In Neelum Valley, two houses collapsed due to heavy snow, though no casualties were reported. Several major highways in the region were also closed because of snow and landslides, creating difficulties for local residents.
Electricity supply has been badly affected across parts of AJK, with fallen poles and snapped wires leaving many areas without power for over 24 hours. Authorities said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improve.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intermittent snowfall continues in the upper districts. Roads in Kaghan Valley have been closed, prompting the district administration to ban the entry of tourists. Visitors have been stopped at Balakot as a precautionary measure. Traffic has also been suspended in Dir Upper, Kumrat, and at the Lowari Tunnel due to icy and slippery conditions, raising fears of food shortages in some areas.
In Khyber district, stranded individuals have been shifted to Painda Cheena School and a nearby hostel, where temporary accommodation and basic facilities are being provided. In Shangla Top, four tourists trapped in snow for 22 hours were successfully rescued and moved to safety.
The situation remains critical in Gilgit-Baltistan, where heavy snowfall and landslides in Chilas and Upper Kohistan have blocked the Karakoram Highway at multiple points. Hundreds of passenger and freight vehicles remain stranded, disrupting the supply of essential goods.
In Astore, life has come to a complete halt, with 5 to 6 feet of snow reported in Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat, and Burzil Top. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk has blocked the main road, and heavy machinery has been deployed to clear it.
Roads in Hunza and Nagar remain closed, while earthquake-affected families living in tents in Chipurson Valley are facing extreme cold and continuous snowfall. Relief agencies are considering alternative routes and aerial support to deliver essential supplies.
District administrations, rescue agencies, and the Pakistan Army remain on high alert. Citizens and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay updated on weather conditions, and strictly follow official instructions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that cold and snowfall are likely to continue in the upper regions over the next few days, potentially worsening the situation.
