A catastrophic winter wave has swept across Pakistan, leaving a trail of devastation. The most tragic incident during the Chitral avalanche and Pakistan winter emergency 2026 took place inLower Chitral. In the afternoon, a massive snowslide buried the home of Bacha Khan in Seeri Gal village, claiming lives and causing widespread destruction.
The disaster killed nine family members who were huddled in a single room. Deputy Commissioner Ra Hashim Azeem confirmed that Bacha Khan, son of Gul Muhammad, was among the deceased. Miraculously, rescuers saved 9-year-old Zubair from the rubble. He is currently recovering in a hospital as the sole survivor.
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Rare Snowfall in Mohmand and Karak
The Chitral avalanche and Pakistan winter emergency 2026 brought rare weather to the plains. Mohmand District saw its first snowfall in three years across Baizai, Khwezai, and Safi. Meanwhile, heavy rains in Karak triggered a record-breaking cold wave. Areas like Banda Daud Shah and Gurguri received heavy snow, while light snow fell in Karak city. These residents now face severe hardships as electricity and gas supplies have vanished.
Shangla Paralyzed by Record Snow
In Shangla, heavy storms have completely paralyzed daily life. Alpuri recorded 2 feet of snow, while Bisham city saw its first significant snowfall in 12 years. Snow depths reached a record 3 feet at Shangla Top and Yakhtangi Top.
The storm trapped hundreds of passengers, including women, children, and patients, at Asmani Mor. These travelers endured a freezing night in their vehicles. While rescue teams saved four tourists after a 24-hour ordeal, many internal roads remain blocked.
Also Read: Record Snowfall in Swat: 20-Year Milestone Broken as Tourists Face Challenges
Road Closures and Stranded Tourists
The Chitral avalanche and Pakistan winter emergency 2026 has severed vital transport links:
- Lowari Tunnel: Authorities reopened the Chitral-Peshawar road after a 12-hour closure.
- Stranded Travelers: Hundreds of tourists remain stuck in Galiat, Murree, and Upper Swat.
- Cut-off Areas: Snow has disconnected Upper Chitral and Lotkoh. In Dir Upper, 3 feet of snow at Kumrat and Lowari Tunnel has cut off several valleys.
Siberian Winds and Freezing Temperatures
The cold wave has gripped the entire country. North Waziristan’s headquarters, Miranshah, and Mir Ali reported significant snow. In Balochistan, a fierce Siberian storm pushed Quetta’s temperature down to -12°C.
The extreme cold has made the N-25 and N-50 highways incredibly dangerous. Slipperiness caused several vehicle collisions near Sheela Bagh. On the N-50 highway, nine different accidents resulted in 27 injuries. More than 100 tourist vehicles remain stuck near Chaman as the country shivers under this historic cold.
