Shepherd Who Saved Lives by Alerting Glacier Burst in Ghizer Awarded by Police

Gilgit: A shepherd in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district, Wasit Khan, has been awarded PKR 10,000 and a certificate of appreciation by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for his timely action that helped save numerous lives during a recent glacier burst.

The incident occurred in the Gopis area of Ghizer, where a glacier burst triggered a destructive flash flood. Positioned on the mountains, Wasit Khan spotted the disaster unfolding and immediately informed local residents via phone. His urgent warning prompted villagers to evacuate in time, preventing potential casualties.

Khan, speaking to BBC Urdu, said, “The first person I called was my father. I told him to evacuate the area immediately because the flood would reach the village within minutes.”

Authorities and locals have acknowledged that had Khan not raised the alarm, the flooding and resulting landslides could have led to multiple fatalities. His swift communication helped families leave their homes, prioritizing lives over belongings.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Police honored Wasit Khan’s bravery and quick thinking, recognizing him as a local hero whose actions averted a major tragedy.