MANSEHRA: The busy Babusar Road, which connects Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of the country via Naran–Jhalkad, has been blocked for all types of traffic following heavy snowfall that hit the region on Tuesday night.
According to Mansehra District Police Officer (DPO), Shafiullah Gandapur, the Babusar Road has been closed due to the accumulation of snow, and efforts are underway to clear the route using heavy machinery.
The DPO urged travellers and tourists heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan and the Naran–Kaghan valley to avoid using the Babusar route until it is reopened. He advised them to instead travel via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to reach their destinations safely and without inconvenience.
The upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received heavy snowfall on Tuesday, resulting in the closure of several major and link roads across the region.
Read also: Snowfall in Nathiagali, Naran, Kalam and Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Nathiagali, Naran, Kaghan and Kalam, received heavy snowfall on Tuesday, blanketing the mountainous region. While reports also received about stranded tourists in Naran Kaghan of Mansehra district.
According to local and stranded tourists, hundreds of nature lovers who came to Naran for a picnic got stranded due to heavy snowfall. They said that families were among the stranded tourists. However, people in the area are enjoying the first snowfall of the season.
According to the Mansehra district administration, the road from Naran to Jhalkad and Babusar Top has been closed to all types of traffic after heavy snowfall.
The administration noted the highway from Mansehra to Gilgit is also closed from both sides at Babusar Top, due to which tourists are facing difficulties.
According to the district administration, if the weather improves, the Babusar Top road is expected to be restored within the next two to three days. Meanwhile, all routes up to Battakundi are open for tourists, and traffic is continuing as usual.
