ISLAMABAD/MUZAFFARABAD/MURREE: Authorities across northern Pakistan intensified relief and rescue operations on Friday and Saturday after heavy snowfall and avalanches paralysed road networks, stranded hundreds of travellers, and claimed at least nine lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral district.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), swift and coordinated action by the Pakistan Army and civil administration helped rescue dozens of stranded citizens and restore road connectivity in snowfall-hit areas. Continuous snowfall had blocked the main Kotli–Nikyal road at several points, leaving multiple vehicles immobilised and families exposed to freezing temperatures.
Responding to the emergency, Pakistan Army troops, led by a commanding officer, reached the snowbound Peer Nasora area late on January 23 despite treacherous conditions. An army vehicle carrying essential relief supplies — including food, clean drinking water, hot beverages, juices and fuel — successfully accessed the area and provided immediate assistance to those stranded.
Women, children and elderly passengers were safely evacuated and shifted to secure locations, while a civil rescue team from Kotli joined the operation, highlighting close coordination between military and civilian authorities. Following joint efforts, the Kotli–Nikyal road was fully cleared of snow and reopened for traffic, restoring normal movement.
In a separate operation, a combined Army and civil administration team rescued 35 people stranded at Mehmood Gali in Poonch district due to heavy snowfall. The group was travelling from Rawalpindi to Haveli district to bury a deceased relative when inter-district roads were closed. The stranded individuals were evacuated to a nearby village to ensure their safety.
Authorities confirmed that all inter-district roads in the Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions remained closed since Friday morning due to snowfall, while the main highway linking Muzaffarabad to Islamabad via Murree was also blocked. The administration advised citizens to refrain from unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck Lower Chitral’s Arandu area, where an avalanche swept through a residential area, killing nine members of the same family and injuring a child. Rescue 1122 teams recovered the bodies of five men and four women from the debris after hours-long rescue efforts.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In separate messages, both leaders directed federal, provincial and local authorities to accelerate relief operations in affected areas.
The prime minister also instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to closely monitor the situation in mountainous regions and maintain coordination with relevant agencies to respond swiftly to any further emergencies.
In Murree, heavy snowfall disrupted traffic and forced the closure of major access routes to the hill station. After initial clearance work, the district administration partially reopened entry points on Saturday, allowing controlled and phased access for residents and tourists.
Officials said heavy machinery was being used to clear snow from major roads, though traffic remained slow due to slippery surfaces and thick snow layers. Authorities urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, follow traffic advisories and remain patient as clearance operations continue.
The administration said all entry points to Murree would be fully reopened once roads are completely cleared. Motorway Police, Traffic Police and other departments have been placed on high alert to manage traffic, assist travellers and ensure public safety.
Authorities across the region stressed the need for public cooperation amid adverse weather, urging citizens to stay updated through official advisories and avoid travel in snowbound areas unless absolutely necessary.
