Heavy snowfall in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has disrupted normal life and led to the closure of key roads in popular tourist destinations. Extreme winter conditions in the Hazara and Malakand divisions have prompted authorities to impose travel restrictions to ensure public safety.

All entry points to the Galiyat region, including Harnu and Barian, are completely blocked due to heavy snow accumulation. The Abbottabad-Murree Road remains impassable, leaving tourists stranded and cutting off access to hill resorts. In the Malakand division, roads leading to Kumrat, Kalam and Malam Jabba have become unsafe for vehicular movement.

The situation is equally challenging in the Hazara division, where the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road has been closed. Upper sections of the Hazara Expressway are also inaccessible. Police have stopped tourists from travelling beyond Kaghan town to prevent mishaps amid slippery conditions and poor visibility.

The Galiyat Development Authority and Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority are actively using heavy machinery to clear snow. However, continuous snowfall in Shangla and Swat, where snow depth has reached up to four feet in some areas, is slowing clearance operations.

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Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that snowfall and the risk of landslides may continue in Dir, Swat, Naran, Kaghan and Kohistan until January 27. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel and remain cautious.

In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1700, while travellers are advised to check updates from the National Highway Authority before planning journeys.