Two killed as rain, snow disrupt life across Gilgit-Baltistan

Two young men, Arif Hussain and Kashif Ali from Gulmat in Nagar district, lost their lives on Thursday when a landslide struck their vehicle on the Karakoram Highway. The men were travelling in a vehicle that was hit by a rock during a landslide near the Pissan section. Both were seriously injured and later died in a government hospital. The local administration reported that heavy rain had triggered landslides across multiple locations in Nagar district on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Karakoram Highway remained open despite blockages along the route, but the Babusar Pass road was temporarily closed to all traffic due to heavy snowfall at Babusar Top. Authorities advised the public to contact the Police Helpline at 15 for the latest status of the highway before traveling.

In the upper regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, intermittent snowfall was reported, while lower areas experienced rain. The Babusar Pass road closure disrupted travel for many tourists heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan. Diamer police personnel rescued stranded tourists near Babusar Top and safely transported them to the area. The Khunjerab Pass remained closed due to slippery conditions caused by snowfall at Khunjerab Top, affecting traffic between Pakistan and China.

Snowfall continued across various districts including Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Hunza, and Nagar, causing difficulties for local residents. Numerous link roads were blocked, impacting routine life across Gilgit-Baltistan.