Normal life has been severely disrupted in Pakistan’s upper regions due to continuous snowfall and extreme cold, with roads blocked, power supply disrupted and hundreds of people stranded, officials and media reports said on Saturday.
Several districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan have received snowfall measuring several feet. The heavy snow has led to the closure of key link roads, damage to electricity infrastructure and isolation of remote communities.
Incidents of landslides and avalanches have also been reported from multiple areas, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations by the Pakistan Army and civil administration.
In Azad Kashmir, heavy snowfall since last night has paralysed daily life. Roads in Neelum Valley, Upper Neelum, Athmuqam, Sudhnoti, Bagh and Hattian Bala have been completely blocked. In Haveli district, around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance, were stranded in snow, trapping nearly 100 people, including women and children.
Following reports of stranded passengers, the Pakistan Army launched an immediate rescue operation under extremely harsh weather conditions. Army personnel safely evacuated 32 passengers to secure locations. Two bodies being transported in an ambulance were also recovered during the operation, drawing appreciation from the affected families.
Muzaffarabad recorded snowfall after several years, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures. In Neelum Valley, two houses collapsed due to heavy snow, though no casualties were reported. Major highways were also closed due to snowfall and landslides, causing serious difficulties for local residents.
Power supply has been badly affected in many parts of Azad Kashmir, with electricity poles and transmission lines damaged by snow and strong winds. Several areas have remained without electricity for more than 24 hours. Authorities said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improve.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intermittent snowfall continues in upper districts. In Kaghan Valley, road closures prompted the district administration to ban the entry of tourists, while visitors were stopped at Balakot to avoid accidents.
Traffic has been suspended in Upper Dir, Kumrat and the Lowari Tunnel due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. In some areas, concerns have been raised over potential shortages of food supplies.
Malakand also witnessed snowfall after many years, increasing the intensity of cold. In several locations, trees fell onto roads due to the weight of snow and strong winds, disrupting traffic. Local administration teams have begun clearing operations.
In Khyber district, rescue operations are under way to evacuate stranded individuals. The deputy commissioner said affected people had been shifted to Painda Cheena School and a hostel, where temporary shelter and basic facilities were being provided. Separately, four tourists stranded for 22 hours in snow at Shangla Top were successfully rescued and moved to safety.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the situation has worsened due to heavy snowfall. The Karakoram Highway has been blocked at multiple points in Chilas and Upper Kohistan due to snow and landslides, leaving hundreds of passenger and cargo vehicles stranded and disrupting the supply of essential goods.
Life in Astore district has come to a complete standstill, with the area cut off from the rest of the country. Snow accumulation of five to six feet has been reported in Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat and Burzil Top. An avalanche near Musharraf Chowk blocked a road, and heavy machinery has been called in to clear it.
In Hunza and Nagar, road closures have caused serious hardships for residents. In Chipurson Valley, earthquake-affected families living in tents are facing extremely harsh conditions due to continuous snowfall and freezing temperatures. Relief agencies are considering alternative routes and aerial support to deliver essential supplies.
Authorities across the affected regions have placed rescue and relief services on high alert and advised citizens and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official instructions. The Meteorological Department has warned that cold weather and snowfall may continue in upper areas over the next few days, potentially worsening the situation.
