Two men were killed after a landslide struck their vehicle on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday, as heavy rain and snowfall disrupted travel across several parts of the mountainous region. The adverse weather triggered landslides, blocked connecting roads and left tourists stranded, prompting authorities to issue travel safety warnings.
The victims were identified as Arif Hussain and Kashif Ali, residents of Gulmat village in Nagar district. According to local police, the men were travelling near Pissan when a falling rock hit their vehicle. Both sustained critical injuries and were taken to a nearby government hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead.
Continuous rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday triggered landslides at multiple locations in Nagar district. Falling rocks and unstable slopes created additional hazards for motorists travelling through mountainous areas. Police reported that the Karakoram Highway remained open despite the landslides, but advised travellers to exercise caution and check road conditions before starting their journeys. Travellers were also advised to contact the police helpline at 15 for information.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall forced authorities to temporarily close the Babusar Pass road to all traffic. The closure left a number of tourists stranded near Babusar Top on Wednesday night. Diamer police personnel carried out rescue efforts and safely brought the stranded travellers to Babusar Top, according to officials. Authorities urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and consider alternative routes where possible.
Weather conditions also disrupted movement along the Pakistan-China route. Heavy snowfall at Khunjerab Top made travel on the Karakoram Highway hazardous, while slippery road conditions affected traffic through Khunjerab Pass. These conditions added to the difficulties faced by motorists and tourists travelling across the region.
Several other districts, including Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Hunza and Nagar, also experienced snowfall in their upper areas. Rain continued in lower-lying locations, disrupting routine activities and creating difficulties for residents. Snow accumulation and landslides blocked several local connecting roads, affecting access to remote communities.
Authorities urged residents and tourists to remain alert during the severe weather, avoid unnecessary journeys and obtain updated information about road conditions before travelling. The incidents highlight the hazards associated with driving through mountainous areas during heavy rain and snowfall, particularly where landslides and falling rocks can occur with little warning.
Two Killed in Gilgit-Baltistan Landslide as Heavy Rain and Snowfall Disrupt Travel
