The district administration has imposed an immediate ban on the entry of tourists into Galiyat, Abbottabad, after landslides disrupted traffic following fresh snowfall on Murree Road. Authorities took the step to ensure public safety as weather conditions worsened across the region.
Officials restricted tourist movement from Harno and Barian toward Galiyat after reports of heavy snow accumulation and landslides in several areas. The administration said the ban will remain in place until road conditions improve and travel becomes safe for visitors.
The decision comes as cold weather has returned across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rain and snowfall have affected both upper and plain areas since last night, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures. Snowfall continues in popular tourist destinations including Malam Jabba, Kalam, Mahodand, Kaghan Valley, Shangla Top, Yakhtange, and Achrosara.
Weather Conditions and Restoration Efforts
In addition to snowfall in mountainous regions, rain has been reported in several districts. These include Swat Valley, Mansehra, Balakot, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Kohat, and Bara. As a result, temperatures have fallen further, increasing the risk of slippery roads and landslides.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain with thundershowers at isolated locations across the province. Areas expected to receive rain include Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Orakzai, Khyber, and Kurram. Authorities have advised residents and travelers to remain cautious during this period.
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Meanwhile, officials confirmed that work is underway to clear affected routes and restore traffic flow. Road clearing teams have been deployed to remove debris caused by landslides and snowfall. Some tourist roads, including sections of Murree Road, have started reopening as weather conditions show slight improvement in certain upper areas.
The administration has urged tourists to avoid traveling to snow bound destinations until official advisories allow movement. Authorities stressed that safety remains the top priority and asked visitors to follow weather updates and travel guidelines before planning trips to northern regions.
