ISLAMABAD: Heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruption across Pakistan’s northern belt, affecting Murree, Tirah, Chilas, Quetta and nearby areas, as rescue and relief teams work to assist stranded tourists and local residents.
Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Amir Khattak visited Murree to supervise snow clearance and relief efforts, inspecting key locations including Chatta Mor, Baadiyan, Jheeka Gali and Mall Road, where machinery has been deployed to restore access.
Officials said conditions in Murree remain under control, though roads are slippery, particularly on routes leading towards Islamabad, resulting in traffic congestion. Authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution and strictly follow safety advisories while travelling.
Traffic police and district administration teams have increased their presence to guide visitors and manage movement. Snow-clearing operations are continuing with heavy equipment, while personnel remain stationed on major routes to keep roads open.
In Balochistan, the Pakistan Army launched rescue and restoration operations as snowfall stranded passengers in several areas. Troops assisted hundreds of people and reopened the Alouddin Pass in Zhob for light traffic. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority also carried out evacuations, safely relocating those trapped by road closures.
Chilas faced severe disruption after heavy snow forced the closure of the Karakoram Highway, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded inside vehicles. In Khyber, rescue teams safely evacuated 65 people from 25 vehicles after snowfall made travel impossible.
Relief operations have expanded across Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera, involving more than 100 personnel and over 20 rescue vehicles.
Intermittent snowfall continues in Swat’s upper regions, including Malam Jabba, Dain, Bahrain, Kalam, Marghazar, Islampur and Gabin Jabba. Despite the weather, tourists continued to visit Malam Jabba for chairlift rides and snowfall views, while Mingora and surrounding areas also received snow.
Road closures and electricity outages in both upper and plain areas have compounded difficulties for residents. In Astore, persistent snowfall over the past 20 hours blocked roads at Musharraf Chowk, cutting off access to the district headquarters and surrounding localities such as Gorekot and Fina Bolan.
Authorities say rescue and restoration efforts remain underway across northern Pakistan, with teams focused on ensuring the safety of residents and visitors as snowfall continues.
