Babusar Top travel advisory issued amid snowfall

Authorities have warned travellers to avoid non-essential movement towards Babusar Top as persistent snowfall disrupts traffic and increases the risk of accidents. Some stretches are restricted to one-way traffic, while officials say conditions worsen after sunset.

MANSEHRA: Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have advised tourists, commuters and transporters to exercise caution on the Babusar Top route, warning that continuing snowfall has made travel conditions dangerous in the area.

According to a special travel advisory issued by the district administration on media platforms, snowfall across the region is expected to create serious difficulties for those planning to head towards the mountain pass. Visitors were asked to check weather conditions before setting out.

The administration said traffic on the Babusar Top road and nearby stretches has been badly affected by continuous snow accumulation, with some sections currently limited to one-way movement. Officials also warned that travel becomes particularly risky after 6pm because snowfall intensifies and visibility declines sharply.

The advisory said icy roads, possible brake failure in vehicles, glacial movement, rockfalls and the threat of landslides posed significant risks to life and property. Tourists, transport operators and the public were urged to avoid unnecessary travel until further notice and to follow instructions issued by local authorities and law enforcement personnel.

Road recently reopened after seasonal closure

The warning comes days after traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan resumed following a suspension of more than six months. On Tuesday, police launched a search and strike operation in the upper parts of Kaghan Valley to help ensure safe movement for visitors.

Balakot Deputy Superintendent of Police Sadaqat Nisar said the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, which had been closed since November last year, was reopened after glaciers and snow were cleared from the route.

Earlier weather alert for northern areas

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a glacial lake outburst flood alert for northern parts of the country and asked disaster management authorities to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.

Residents living in glaciated valleys and other vulnerable locations were advised to take precautionary steps, including staying away from riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall, watching local nullahs for sudden changes in water colour or unusual grinding sounds from rocks, and moving livestock and essential belongings to higher and safer ground.