The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have closed the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road beyond Barawai due to heavy snowfall in Kaghan Valley. This precautionary measure aims to protect travelers, as the snowfall has rendered the road hazardous, particularly in high-altitude areas.

District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur stated that vehicles, including passenger coaches, are prohibited from traveling past Barawai. He emphasized the dangers of driving on snow-covered roads, warning that such attempts could result in serious accidents. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid any risky ventures in the valley.

The decision to close the MNJ Road follows Kaghan Valley’s first snowfall of the season last week, which has completely blocked certain areas, including Babusar Top, where conditions are especially perilous. Even if some snow is cleared, the road remains slippery and unsafe for travel.

To ensure safety, the police have temporarily closed three out of nine posts in the upper Kaghan Valley. This action is intended to create a secure environment for tourists and local travelers heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan.

Despite these safety measures, misleading posts on social media have falsely suggested that the MNJ Road remains open. The officer clarified that the road is entirely closed due to safety concerns and will remain so until conditions improve.

The valley experienced snowfall earlier than anticipated this year, making travel impossible until next summer. The police said that public safety is their top priority and urged everyone to refrain from attempting this route until further notice