TV Anchor Shabana Liaqat Among 7 Missing After Torrential Rains in Chilas; 8 Confirmed Dead

Chilas: Following devastating flash floods and heavy rains in Chilas and the Babusar region, a large-scale search and rescue operation remains underway. At least 7 individuals are still missing, while the death toll has risen to 8.
According to provincial government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, Shabana Liaqat — a news anchor with Khyber News — her husband Liaqat Ali, and their three children went missing along the Babusar Highway during the storm. A local volunteer from Thak-Babusar found her purse, containing identification cards belonging to Shabana and her child Aimal Liaqat.
The Diamer district administration has launched an extensive search operation. Three joint rescue teams comprising Pakistan Army’s 73 Baloch Regiment, GB Scouts, Rescue 1122, NDMA, GBDMA, local police, and other agencies have been deployed in affected areas.
Rescue efforts are particularly focused on Thak Nallah and Thore, where layers of debris are spread 5 to 10 feet deep. Teams are using radar equipment, metal detectors, sniffer dogs, and local intel to assist in locating the missing.
So far, 8 deaths have been confirmed. The victims are from Lodhran, Thak, Thore, and Faisalabad. Among the missing, in addition to Shabana Liaqat and her family, are individuals from Mandi Faisalabad and Nowshera.
The Federal Secretary for Communications visited the Babusar Road up to Jhal and ordered the immediate restoration of road access. Nighttime operations have been initiated to ensure progress.
Relief distribution has also begun, with 84 tents, 84 kitchen sets, 10 food packages, and 10 quilts provided to affected families.
Authorities warn that the number of missing persons may rise as search operations continue across the devastated region with full force.