Several feet of snow reported in AJK, KP and Gilgit-Baltistan as cold wave continues
People gather along a snow-covered area near the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman. Photo: AFP
Continuous snowfall and extreme cold in Pakistan’s upper regions have severely disrupted daily life, with several meters of snow reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, authorities said on Saturday.
The extreme weather conditions led to the closure of main and link roads, interruptions to electricity supplies and hundreds of people stranded. Landslides and avalanches have been reported at several places, while large-scale rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the Pakistan Army and civil administration.
Authorities warned that intense cold and snowfall were likely to continue over the coming days and advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel.
In Azad Kashmir, heavy snowfall since last night has paralyzed normal life in Neelum Valley, Upper Neelum, Athmuqam, Sudhnoti, Bagh and Hattian Bala, where roads leading to several upper areas remain completely blocked.
In Haveli district, around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance, were stuck in heavy snow, leaving around 100 people, including women and children, stranded. After receiving information about the situation, the Pakistan Army launched an immediate rescue operation and rescued 32 passengers safely despite extremely harsh weather conditions.
During the operation, two bodies transported by ambulance were also found, with the bereaved families praising the speed of the army’s intervention.
Read: Snow paralyzes KP, 9 dead in Chitral
Snowfall was also recorded in Muzaffarabad after many years, greatly increasing the intensity of cold. In Neelum valley, two houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall, but no human casualties were reported. Several highways were closed due to snowfall and landslides, creating serious difficulties for local residents.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have seriously affected the power system in various parts of Azad Kashmir. Electricity poles collapsed in several places, while electricity supply remained suspended for more than 24 hours due to broken transmission lines. Officials said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improve, but harsh conditions are currently hampering repairs.
Intermittent snowfall continues in upper areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where roads in Kaghan Valley have been closed, prompting the district administration to ban entry of tourists. The tourists were stopped at Balakot to avoid accidents.
Traffic was also suspended in Dir Upper, Kumrat and Lowari Tunnel due to heavy snowfall and slippery roads, causing serious hardship to both locals and travelers. Authorities have expressed fears of food shortages in some areas.
Learn more: Rain and snow trigger cold wave in Pakistan
Snowfall was recorded in Malakand after many years, further intensifying the cold. In some areas, trees collapsed on roads under the weight of snow and strong winds, disrupting traffic. The administration has started mine clearance operations to reopen the roads.
Rescue operations are underway in Khyber district, where the stranded people have been shifted to Painda Cheena School and Hostel. According to the deputy commissioner, temporary accommodation and essential facilities are being provided. In addition, four tourists stranded for 10 p.m. at Shangla Top were rescued and transferred to a safe place.
The situation remains particularly serious in Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy snowfall and landslides in Chilas and Upper Kohistan forced the closure of the Karakoram Highway in several places, stranding hundreds of passengers and goods vehicles and disrupting the supply of essential goods.
Read also: Murree hit by snowstorm and 5,000 tourists stranded
In Astore district, life came to a standstill after heavy snowfall cut off land connections with the rest of the country. Between five and six feet of snow accumulated at Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat and Burzil Top. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked the road, prompting authorities to call in heavy machinery to clear it.
In Hunza and Nagar, snowfall closed link roads, creating serious problems for residents. In the Chipurson Valley, earthquake-affected families living in tents face extremely difficult conditions: intense cold and continuous snowfall.
Relief agencies are considering alternative routes and air assets to deliver essential supplies to affected areas.
Authorities in upper regions remain on alert, with district administrations, relief agencies and the Pakistan Army coordinating response efforts. The Meteorological Department has warned that cold weather and snowfall are likely to persist over the coming days, which could further worsen conditions.
