MANSEHRA: The Mansehra district administration has imposed a complete travel ban on movement between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) via the Kaghan Valley, citing hazardous winter conditions and the need to ensure public safety.
Assistant Commissioner (AC) Balakot Hasrat Khan told reporters on Wednesday that all forms of travel — including passenger transport, private vehicles and tourist movement — had been suspended on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad road leading to Chilas. The decision was made during a meeting of district officials, attended by representatives of police, administration and relevant departments responsible for mobility and road management.
According to AC Khan, the Chilas district administration and local police in GB remain in close contact with Mansehra authorities and have also enforced a travel ban from their side. “We have now completely restricted passenger vehicles, motorists and tourists from travelling to neighbouring GB for their safety,” he said.
Limited Tourist Access Allowed
While travel to Gilgit-Baltistan remains closed for the season, authorities have granted conditional access to certain tourist spots within Kaghan Valley. Tourists will be allowed to visit Battakundi and Lake Saiful Muluk between 11am and 3pm, provided their vehicles are equipped with tyre chains. Officials said the window was chosen because icy road conditions make travel unsafe before and after the four-hour allowance.
“There is no restriction on travelling up to Naran until the next snowfall,” the AC clarified. However, he cautioned that conditions in upper Kaghan Valley were deteriorating rapidly as winter intensified.
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Seasonal Migration and Closures Underway
Authorities said that seasonal migration has already begun, with most local residents of Barawai, Battakundi and other settlements beyond Naran having moved to lower altitudes for the winter. The remaining families are expected to relocate after the upcoming spell of snowfall.
Passenger vehicles, motorists and tourists restricted from travelling to neighbouring GB for their safety, says Assistant Commissioner Balakot. https://t.co/YTDwDMYjXv
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Police checkpoints in the upper parts of the valley have also been shut down for the season. “We expect the Kaghan–Babusar Top section of the MNJ road to reopen in early May next year. Until then, the valley will remain completely closed to movement,” AC Khan said.
Annual Winter Closure
The Kaghan–Babusar corridor is one of the highest-altitude travel routes in the country and is routinely sealed every winter due to heavy snowfall, avalanches and dangerously icy road surfaces. The annual closure is a key safety measure as the Babusar Top area becomes inaccessible for months, and emergency support is not viable.
Officials reiterated that the restrictions aim to protect both residents and tourists from potential accidents and urged the public to follow travel advisories issued throughout the winter season.
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