A man walks on a snow covered road in Abbotabad. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan is grappling with severe winter conditions as heavy snowfall and rain continue to disrupt life across northern, northwestern, and hilly regions — from Tirah Valley to Murree, Kotli, Nakyal, 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.
The Pakistan Army has been at the forefront of relief operations, conducting prompt and professional rescue and aid initiatives 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, alongside the Frontier Corps, safely evacuated stranded families, restored key roads, and supplied essential items including food, blankets, winter kits, emergency medical aid, and even petrol for vehicles immobilised by snow.
The Kotli-Nakyal Road, crucial for regional connectivity, has been fully reopened for traffic following these operations. Officials noted that despite adverse weather and logistical challenges, relief teams remained on the ground, personally supervising the distribution of supplies and evacuation of stranded citizens.
In a remarkable demonstration of operational capability, the Army also conducted a helicopter rescue mission in Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir. Following heavy snowfall that cut off all ground communication, a female patient was airlifted safely to the Military Hospital in Rawalpindi.
The rescue mission highlighted meticulous coordination at every stage, from helipad preparation to route restoration and timely aerial transfer, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to prioritising human life under all circumstances.
Three people were rescued by the Rescue 1122, Tourism Police, QRF squad from the mountains around to Siri Paya after two days efforts. The teams had to undertake a long eight-hour trek on foot. All three individuals were safely rescued from Siri Paye and transferred to Shogran
In the tourist areas of Galiyat, normal life has been severely affected as snowfall blocked key link roads, toppled electricity poles, and disabled mobile networks. Residents and tourists alike were stranded in hotels and homes, facing acute shortages of food, medicines, and firewood.
The district administrations 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 travel.
In Murree, although the snowfall has ended, accumulated snow on rooftops poses hazards. District authorities have issued strict safety guidelines, warning against dumping snow onto roads or pathways to prevent accidents, electrical disruptions, and property damage.
Balochistan has also experienced widespread snow and rain, with heavy rainfall forecast in Gwadar, Kech, Khuzdar, Chagai, Awaran, and Quetta districts. Flash floods, slippery roads, and severe cold, with temperatures as low as minus 8°C in Kalat, pose serious challenges.
Meanwhile, 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 lakes have attracted large numbers of visitors this time also, offering snow-covered trails, frozen waterfalls, and serene alpine vistas.
Authorities from the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority and Wildlife Department have emphasised the need for environmental protection, regulating vehicle access, and maintaining cleanliness to safeguard fragile ecosystems.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department and Regional Meteorological Centre Balochistan, meanwhile, issued alerts, warning of continuing heavy snowfall, rain, landslides, avalanches, and flash floods until January 27.
Upper districts of K-P, AJK, G-B, 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, particularly while traveling in mountainous regions.
Provincial and local authorities, in coordination with the Army, PDMA, and Galiyat Development Authority, are on high alert, focusing on road clearance, relief distribution, and evacuation of stranded individuals.
Emergency teams continue to identify landslide- and avalanche-prone zones and ensure timely restoration of transport and communication links. Despite these disruptions, winter tourism continues to thrive, with visitors flocking to scenic lakes, valleys, and snow-clad peaks.
Authorities in the upcountry areas have emphasised caution, particularly on icy roads and high-altitude routes, urging adherence to safety measures while allowing economic activity and tourism to continue.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
