Heavy Snow Blocks Roads and Highways Across Pakistan 

Winter storms are hammering northern and central Pakistan, disrupting travel on major highways, mountain roads and link routes, leaving drivers and residents grappling with hazardous conditions. From Gilgit‑Baltistan to Murree and Balochistan, authorities report blocked highways, snow-covered roads, and ice-slicked passes, prompting urgent travel advisories.

Across Gilgit‑Baltistan, heavy snowfall has accumulated on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Ghizer‑Shandur Road and Baltistan Road, making travel extremely difficult. Temperatures have dropped below −15°C, creating treacherous driving conditions with black ice and snow-covered mountain passes. Local administrations have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel as snow clearing continues.

In the Murree‑Galiyat region, snowfall of nearly nine inches has left roads and link routes slippery and hazardous, forcing temporary traffic restrictions. Emergency crews are clearing snow from major hill roads, but side roads remain dangerous for all vehicles.

Balochistan’s Quetta, Ziarat and Zhob districts have also been hit by snow, disrupting inter-provincial travel along Quetta‑Ziarat and Quetta‑Zhob highways. Landslides and icy roads have compounded the challenge, putting drivers and travelers at risk.

Travel and Road Safety Measures

With snow and ice dominating the road network, drivers must take precautions:

• Avoid non-essential travel: Mountain passes, highways and link roads are closed or extremely hazardous.
  
• Vehicle preparedness: Snow chains, winter tires, headlights, and hazard lights are mandatory for safe passage.
  
• Monitor road advisories: Local disaster management teams provide updates on road openings, blockages, and closures.
  
• Emergency essentials: Keep blankets, warm clothing, food, water, and a charged phone in case of stranding on highways or remote mountain roads.
  

Authorities are actively working to clear snow from major roads, reopen blocked highways and restore connectivity for travelers. Civil and military rescue teams are operating along KKH, Baltistan Road and Murree link routes, providing food, medical aid, and assistance to stranded motorists.

Snowy roads may look scenic, but winter travel in Pakistan’s mountainous regions is extremely risky. Drivers should treat highways and mountain passes as high-alert zones, plan ahead, and follow official guidance to prevent accidents.

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