Severe Snowfall Paralyzes Life in Northern Regions of Pakistan

Life has come to a standstill in several northern parts of Pakistan due to heavy snowfall, with upper regions receiving several feet of snow, leading to the closure of major roads and disruption of essential services.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Sudhanoti, Bagh, Hattian Bala, Athmuqam and Upper Neelum, snowfall has continued since last night. In district Haveli, around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance, were stranded due to heavy snow. The Pakistan Army successfully rescued 32 passengers, while two bodies being transported in the ambulance were also recovered. Nearly 100 people were onboard the stranded vehicles.

Muzaffarabad witnessed snowfall after many years, while in Neelum Valley, three houses collapsed due to the intensity of the snow. Heavy snowfall and landslides blocked key highways and severely affected the power supply system. Several electricity poles collapsed and power lines snapped, leaving many areas without electricity for the past 24 hours.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intermittent snowfall continues across various districts. In Kaghan Valley, road closures prompted the administration to suspend tourist entry, with visitors stopped at Balakot. Roads in Dir Upper, Kumrat, Lowari Tunnel and Bajaur remain closed. Malakand also experienced snowfall after several years, causing trees to fall onto roads at some locations.

Rescue operations are ongoing in Khyber district, where stranded individuals have been shifted to Painda Chena School and Hostel, according to the Deputy Commissioner. In Shangla Top, four tourists who had been trapped in snow for 22 hours were safely rescued.

Gilgit-Baltistan is also facing severe snowfall. The Karakoram Highway has been blocked at multiple points due to snowfall and landslides in Chilas and Upper Kohistan, leaving hundreds of passengers and cargo vehicles stranded. In Astore, heavy snowfall has disrupted daily life and cut off the district’s land connectivity with the rest of the country. Areas including Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat and Burzil Top have received up to five to six feet of snow. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked the main road.

In Hunza and Nagar, snowfall has led to the closure of link roads, while earthquake-affected families living in tents in Chipurson Valley are facing severe hardships due to extreme cold.