Vital Roads Cleared for Traffic in Chitral After Snowfall

Relief operations following the recent heavy snowfall have yielded mixed results across the northern districts. While life is gradually returning to normal in Chitral with major restoration of road and power networks, the district of Shangla remains largely cut off, grappling with its heaviest snowfall in over a decade.

Chitral – Restoring Vital Links

Progress was made in Chitral on Sunday as authorities successfully cleared snow from key arteries. The approach road to the Lowari Tunnel, the district’s primary lifeline connecting it to the rest of the country, has been restored for heavy vehicular traffic.

Simultaneously, roads to several remote valleys in both Lower and Upper Chitral—including Laspur, Upper Yarkhoon, Torkhow, Arandu, and the Kalash valleys—have been reopened for light vehicles.

Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral, Muhammad Hashim Azim, confirmed that the district administration is leveraging all available resources for restoration. He noted that machinery from the National Highway Authority (NHA) played a crucial role in clearing the Lowari approach road and other critical highways.

The Deputy Commissioner added that a portion of the Garam Chashma road has been cleared, with full access expected by tomorrow.

Shangla – Roads Still Blocked

In stark contrast, Shangla district remained crippled for the fourth consecutive day. The upper parts of the district have received up to 4 feet of snow, according to locals, the heaviest in 13 years.

The severe weather has led to a near-total transportation blockade. Residents report that major routes, including the Bisham-Swat and Alpuri-Puran roads, as well as most link roads, remain closed to all traffic.

Chakesar – Four Roads Cleared

Despite widespread disruptions, some progress was reported in Chakesar tehsil, where the administration confirmed that four roads had been cleared for traffic on Sunday. However, for the majority of the district, the wait for normalcy continues.

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