Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is witnessing a historic winter. For two days, heavy snow has lashed the upper regions, shattering several yearly records.
This intense weather has blocked link roads in Kalam, Galiat, Dir, and Kaghan, leaving many tourists facing difficult conditions.
The fresh snow has enhanced the natural beauty of the Swat Valley. Galiat is now covered in a blanket of pure white, while Kaghan is experiencing a severe increase in cold. The snowfall has also drawn tourists to Dir, Chitral, Shangla, Waziristan, Khyber, and Mohmand, as the mountains pull visitors toward their scenic peaks.
Historic Records Shattered
The record snowfall in Swat has officially broken a 20-year streak. For the first time in sixteen years, snow fell in areas surrounding Mingora city, including Marghazar, Swat Town, Matta, Kabal, and Kokari. While this has beautified the valley, the heavy accumulation has made driving on link roads extremely dangerous.
Muhammad Saad, spokesperson for the KP Tourism Authority, has issued urgent safety instructions. He advises tourists to avoid unnecessary travel as more snow is expected in the coming hours.
For those already traveling, the authorities provide the following requirements:
- Vehicles: Only 4×4 vehicles should be used in upper areas.
- Equipment: Travelers must carry snow chains (zanjeer) at all times.
- Caution: Strict adherence to all precautionary measures is mandatory.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Saleem Jan, confirmed that the administration has successfully restored the road links for Kalam, Malam Jabba, and Marghazar. Despite the record-breaking weather, a large number of tourists remain present in these upper regions.
District Police Muhammad Umar Khan stated that a specialized Tourist Police Squad is now deployed. This team is providing every possible help to the visitors. Furthermore, when the Malam Jabba road was blocked, Pakistan Army personnel arrived to lead the rescue. The soldiers successfully rescued dozens of tourists and helped pull numerous stuck vehicles out of the snow.
The administration confirms that while the cold is intense, the beauty of the valley is at its peak and routes have been cleared for safe passage.
