Heavy flooding halts Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway, stranding travelers

QUETTA: The Zhob–Dera Ismail Khan national highway was brought to a standstill late Sunday night as floodwaters swept across the road, following heavy overnight rainfall that caused dry streams to overflow.

The vulnerable section of Gundi Ashiq was completely submerged, with fast-moving torrents reaching vehicle tires and leaving numerous travelers stranded. Long queues of buses, trucks, cars, and motorcycles came to a halt as passengers—children, women, and the elderly—waited anxiously amid the roar of rushing water and the smell of rain.

One affected traveler, Ghulam Muhammad, said, “We have been stuck here for hours with our children. Our food is finished, mobile batteries are dead. Only Allah can help us now.” A female passenger added, “I was taking my daughter to the doctor. What should I do now? The road is blocked, and there is no one to help.”

Rescue 1122 teams, the National Highway Authority, and the district administration quickly responded, deploying heavy machinery, bulldozers, and laborers to clear the water and reopen the highway. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, but high water levels currently make vehicle movement impossible.

Authorities strongly advised travelers to avoid the route without prior confirmation and use alternative roads. The highway is a key link between Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and its closure is affecting commercial transport, daily trade, and public movement.

The administration confirmed that road-clearing operations are underway and updates will be shared once traffic resumes. Travelers are urged to exercise caution during the rainy season, avoid flood-prone areas, and stay informed of weather forecasts for safe travel.