A recent heavy snowfall has severely disrupted life in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Kohistan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the blockage of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) due to landslides. This situation has left numerous travelers stranded and resulted in the cancellation of flights between Islamabad and the northern regions.
The snowfall has affected all four districts of the Baltistan region—Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang, and Ghanche—receiving between one and three inches of snow, disrupting daily life. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts continued snowfall over the next 24 hours.
The KKH is primarily blocked at two locations in the Dasu and Kohistan regions, stranding many passengers traveling to and from Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, flights between Islamabad and Gilgit, as well as Islamabad and Skardu, have been canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
In response, the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority has advised tourists and residents to avoid unnecessary travel, citing slippery road conditions. The unusual timing of this snowfall has also disrupted agricultural activities, as the harsh winter season typically concludes by this time of year.
Efforts are underway to clear the blocked sections of the highway and restore normalcy to the affected regions.
