Several feet of snow reported in AJK, K-P and Gilgit-Baltistan as cold spell continues
People gather along a snow-covered area near the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman. Photo: AFP
Continuous snowfall and severe cold weather in Pakistan’s upper regions have badly disrupted daily life, with several feet of snow reported across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, officials said on Saturday.
The extreme weather has led to the closure of major and connecting roads, disruption of power supply and hundreds of people being stranded. 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 the civil administration.
Authorities have warned that the intense 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 paralysed 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 trapped in heavy snow, leaving about 100 people, including women and children, stranded. After receiving information about the situation, the Pakistan Army launched an immediate rescue operation and safely rescued 32 passengers despite extremely harsh weather conditions.
During the operation, two bodies being transported in an ambulance were also recovered, with the bereaved families praising the army’s timely response.
Read: Snow cripples K-P, 9 dead in Chitral
Snowfall was also recorded in Muzaffarabad after many years, sharply increasing the intensity of cold. In Neelum Valley, two houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall, although no loss of life was reported. Several highways have been closed due to snowfall and landslides, creating severe difficulties for local residents.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have badly affected the power system in various parts of Azad Kashmir. Power poles collapsed at several locations, while electricity supply has remained suspended for more than 24 hours due to snapped transmission lines. Officials said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improve, but harsh conditions are currently hampering repairs.
Intermittent snowfall continues in the upper areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where roads in Kaghan Valley have been closed, prompting the district administration to ban the entry of tourists. Tourists have been stopped at Balakot to prevent accidents.
Traffic has also been suspended in Dir Upper, Kumrat and the Lowari Tunnel due to heavy snowfall and slippery roads, causing severe hardship for both locals and travellers. Authorities have expressed fears of shortages of food items in some areas.
Read More: Rain and snow trigger cold wave across Pakistan
Snowfall was recorded in Malakand after many years, further intensifying the cold. In some areas, trees collapsed onto roads under the weight of snow and strong winds, disrupting traffic. The administration has begun clearing operations to reopen roads.
Rescue operations are ongoing 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. Separately, four tourists stranded for 22 hours at Shangla Top were rescued and moved to a safe location.
The situation remains particularly severe 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.
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In Astore district, life has come to a standstill after heavy snowfall cut off land links with the rest of the country. Between five and six feet of snow has accumulated in Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat and Burzil Top. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked the road, prompting authorities to call in heavy machinery to clear it.
In Hunza and Nagar, snowfall has closed connecting roads, creating serious problems for residents. In Chipurson Valley, earthquake-affected families living in tents are facing extremely harsh conditions amid severe cold and continuous snowfall.
Relief agencies are considering alternative routes and aerial means to deliver essential supplies to affected areas.
Authorities across the upper regions remain on high alert, with district administrations, rescue agencies and the Pakistan Army coordinating response efforts. The Meteorological Department has warned that cold and snowfall are likely to persist for the next few days, which could further worsen conditions.
