Pakistan is facing one of the harshest winter spells of the season as heavy snowfall and rain continue to disrupt daily life across northern, northwestern, and mountainous regions. In response, Pakistan severe winter relief operations have been intensified, with the army, provincial administrations, and emergency services working together to assist affected communities.
From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to high-altitude areas of Balochistan, authorities remain on high alert as extreme weather conditions persist.
Army Leads Pakistan Severe Winter Relief Efforts
The Pakistan Army has taken a leading role in Pakistan severe winter relief operations, deploying troops and resources to some of the most inaccessible areas. Relief missions are ongoing in Tirah Valley, Kotli, Nakyal, Jandrott, Pir Nasoorah, and surrounding regions where heavy snowfall brought normal life to a halt.
In Tirah Valley, snow accumulation blocked roads, stranded vehicles, and disrupted communication networks. Army units, working alongside the Frontier Corps, evacuated families trapped in remote villages and reopened critical road links under difficult weather conditions.
Essential relief supplies, including food rations, blankets, winter clothing, and emergency medical assistance, were distributed directly to affected residents. In several cases, fuel was also provided to vehicles immobilised by snow, according to officials involved in the operation.
Key Roads Reopened After Snow Clearance
One of the most significant developments was the reopening of the Kotli–Nakyal Road, a vital route for local transport and trade. Authorities confirmed that traffic has been restored after continuous snow-clearing operations, allowing movement of relief goods and civilian vehicles.
Officials supervising the operation said relief teams remained deployed despite freezing temperatures and limited visibility. Local administrations praised the coordination between military and civil agencies, calling it essential for maintaining access to remote settlements during the winter emergency.
Air Rescue Saves Life in Leepa Valley
As part of Pakistan severe winter relief, the army also carried out an emergency helicopter rescue in Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir. After intense snowfall cut off all land routes, a critically ill woman was airlifted to the Military Hospital in Rawalpindi.
According to officials, the operation required careful planning, including preparing a temporary helipad and assessing weather conditions before take-off. The successful rescue highlighted the role of aerial support in life-saving missions during severe winter conditions.
Tourists Rescued From Siri Paye Mountains
Rescue efforts extended to tourist areas as well. Three individuals stranded in the mountainous region of Siri Paye were rescued after a two-day operation by Rescue 1122, the Tourism Police, and a Quick Response Force (QRF) team.
Rescuers completed an eight-hour trek on foot through deep snow to reach the stranded tourists. All three were safely transported to Shogran, officials confirmed, adding that visitors should strictly follow weather advisories before travelling to high-altitude destinations.
Galiyat and Murree Face Major Disruptions
In the Galiyat region, heavy snowfall blocked link roads, damaged power infrastructure, and disrupted mobile phone services. Residents and tourists reported shortages of food, medicines, and firewood as hotels and homes remained isolated.
District administrations have deployed heavy machinery in Nathiagali, Thandiani, and the Galiyat–Murree corridor to restore road access. Authorities have repeatedly advised residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Murree, a major winter tourism hub, has seen snowfall ease, but dangers remain. Officials warned that snow accumulated on rooftops poses serious safety risks. Residents have been instructed not to dump snow onto roads or pathways, as it could lead to accidents, power outages, and property damage.
Balochistan Battles Snow, Rain, and Extreme Cold
Several districts in Balochistan are also experiencing severe weather, with snowfall in high-altitude areas and heavy rainfall in Gwadar, Kech, Khuzdar, Chagai, Awaran, and Quetta.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that temperatures in Kalat dropped as low as minus 8 degrees Celsius. Authorities warned of slippery roads, flash floods, and health risks linked to prolonged exposure to extreme cold.
Emergency services in the province remain on standby to respond to weather-related incidents, particularly in vulnerable rural districts.
Weather Alerts and Safety Warnings Issued
The Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Regional Meteorological Centre Balochistan have issued alerts warning that heavy snowfall, rain, landslides, avalanches, and flash floods may continue until January 27.
Upper districts of K-P, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan — including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Naran, Kaghan, Ziarat, Quetta, and Kalat — are considered high-risk areas.
Provincial disaster management authorities, district administrations, and the army are coordinating closely to monitor vulnerable zones, clear roads, and evacuate stranded individuals where necessary.
Winter Tourism Continues With Caution
Despite the challenges, winter tourism continues across northern Pakistan. Snow-covered lakes such as Saiful Muluk, Ansu, Dudipatsar, and Mahudand have attracted visitors, offering scenic views and frozen waterfalls.
However, tourism and wildlife officials have urged visitors to follow safety guidelines, limit vehicle access, and protect fragile ecosystems. Authorities stressed that responsible tourism is essential during extreme weather conditions.
As Pakistan severe winter relief operations continue, officials have appealed to the public to remain cautious, follow official advisories, and cooperate with emergency services until weather conditions stabilise.
