MUZAFFARABAD – Azad Kashmir and northern areas of Pakistan are experiencing extreme cold and heavy snowfall, prompting authorities to close educational institutions for two days.
Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, January 26, giving students an extended weekend. In Azad Kashmir, intermittent snowfall continues in high-altitude areas including Hattian Bala, Chunari, Chakothi, Leepa Valley, Ganga Choti, Arang Kel, and Sargan Valley, while lower regions are experiencing rainfall.
The severe weather has disrupted normal life and left several areas isolated. Tragically, two individuals have lost their lives in separate accidents during the storm.
Northern areas of Balochistan are also under grip of snowstorm, particularly along the Quetta-Ziarat Highway and N-50, where several vehicles are stranded. In Chaman, over 100 tourists remain trapped due to the snowfall.
In Tirah Valley, around 100 vehicles have been immobilized by heavy snowfall and rainfall. At Kojak Top, temperatures plunged to minus 12 degrees Celsius, highlighting intensity of the cold wave.
The upper regions of KP, including Mansehra, Galiyat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Kalam, Orakzai, Chitral, and Khyber, are also witnessing heavy snowfall. Around 100 vehicles have been stranded in Khyber district alone, though 35 people have been safely relocated to secure locations.
GB is experiencing major snowfall as well, with 2 to 3 feet of snow reported in upper areas of Astore, completely blocking all ground routes and leaving residents trapped in their homes. The districts of Hunza and Nagar have also been heavily affected, with normal life severely disrupted.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel, and follow safety instructions as heavy snow and rain continue across these regions.
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