Severe snowfall at Khunjerab Top, the high-altitude border area between Pakistan and China in Gilgit-Baltistan, has left three passenger vehicles and several cargo trucks stranded. Passengers, trapped at an elevation of over 15,000 feet, are urgently calling for rescue as the harsh conditions persist.
The Khunjerab Pass, known for its extreme altitude, is typically closed during the winter months due to frigid temperatures and low oxygen levels. The current heavy snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan’s upper regions has caused significant travel disruptions, exacerbating the situation for those stranded.
In addition to the challenges at Khunjerab, a new wave of rain and snowfall has begun in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Dark clouds over the capital, Muzaffarabad, indicate an impending downpour, adding to the region’s weather woes.
Meanwhile, the Mahodand Lake area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kalam has experienced its first snowfall of the winter, transforming the landscape into a picturesque scene with a pristine white blanket of snow. The plains of Swat, including Mingora, and the upper areas of Malam Jabba and Kalam, are also experiencing ongoing rainfall. Light snow on the mountains of Kalam has brought a noticeable chill to the air, prompting residents to don warm clothing.
As winter weather intensifies across northern Pakistan, authorities are urged to expedite rescue operations and ensure the safety of those affected by the severe conditions.
