Northern Pakistan Paralyzed as Temperatures Hit -15°C

GILGIT / RAWALPINDI — Life across northern Pakistan has ground to a virtual standstill as a fierce new spell of snowfall and freezing temperatures continues to grip the region. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, authorities reported that vital transit routes, including the Karakoram Highway (KKH), remain blocked, while thousands in remote valleys are facing severe power outages and food shortages.

The Winter Crisis

• Record Lows: Temperatures in upper Gilgit-Baltistan plummeted to -15°C.
• Murree Accumulation: 9 inches of snow recorded; link roads remain partially closed.
• Road Closures: KKH (Gilgit-Kohistan section), Ghizer-Shandur Road, and Quetta-Ziarat Road.
• Snowfall Intensity: Up to 6 inches recorded in Skardu and Hunza; 37 inches in Malam Jabba (KP).
• Emergency Status: High alert for rockfalls, landslides, and avalanches in hilly districts.

Gilgit-Baltistan

The snowfall, which intensified over Monday and Tuesday, has isolated several districts. In Astore, resident Shafqat Ali reported that link roads to Shounter and Minimarg are completely buried, cutting off hundreds of families.

• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: In Chipurson (Hunza) and Ghizer, families already displaced by recent earthquakes and floods are struggling in temporary shelters and tents.
• Logistical Nightmare: Travel between Gilgit and Islamabad remains suspended. The National Highway Authority (NHA) has warned that black ice and rockfalls make the Kohistan section of the KKH extremely hazardous.
• Official Action: Caretaker CM Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad has directed the GBDMA to prioritize clearing major arteries to restore the supply of essential items.

Tourists Advised to Exercise Caution in Murree & Galiyat

In the twin cities’ neighboring hill stations, the situation is a mix of scenic beauty and logistical struggle. Divisional Commissioner Aamir Khattak and DC Agha Zaheer Shirazi visited Murree on Tuesday to oversee snow clearance operations.

• Current Access: The Murree Expressway is open, but entry is strictly regulated. Travelers are required to have tyre chains and advance hotel bookings to enter the upper hills.
• Galiyat Recovery: Road restoration continues for the fourth day between Nathiagali and Baryan. A rescue operation recently retrieved a family vehicle that had slipped toward a ravine near Changla Gali; no injuries were reported.

Heavy Snow Breaks Long Dry Spell in Balochistan

The provincial capital, Quetta, and the tourist hub of Ziarat were blanketed in white by Tuesday noon. While the snowfall has brought joy to local farmers by ending a prolonged drought, it has also caused significant travel disruptions.

• Highway Alerts: The Quetta-Zhob-DI Khan highway is facing delays due to slippery surfaces.
• Ziarat Closure: The main Quetta-Ziarat Road was temporarily closed on Tuesday after heavy overnight accumulation.

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Safety Advisory & Forecast

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts the current westerly wave will begin to weaken by late Wednesday (tonight), but the risk of avalanches remains elevated for the next 48 hours.

Travel Checklist:

• Fuel: Keep tanks at least half-full to maintain vehicle heating if stranded.
• Supplies: Carry blankets, dry fruits, and water.
• Lights: Use fog and hazard lights in low-visibility conditions.
• Emergencies: Contact the Police Helpline (15) or Rescue 1122.