The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have closed the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road beyond Barawai due to heavy snowfall in Kaghan Valley. This is to protect travelers, as the snowfall has made the road dangerous, especially in high-altitude areas.
District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur shared that vehicles, including passenger coaches, are no longer allowed past Barawai. He stressed that attempting to drive on these snowy roads could lead to serious accidents, urging visitors to avoid any risky ventures in the valley.
The MNJ Road was shut down after Kaghan Valley experienced its first snowfall of the season last week. The snowfall has fully blocked certain areas, including Babusar Top, where conditions are particularly treacherous. Even if some snow is cleared, the road remains slippery and unsafe for travel.
To enhance safety, the police have temporarily closed three out of nine posts in the upper Kaghan Valley. This is to ensure a secure environment for tourists and local travelers heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan.
Despite these precautions, misleading posts on social media suggest that the MNJ Road remains open. Officer Gandapur clarified that the road is entirely closed due to safety concerns and will remain so until conditions improve.
The valley experienced snowfall earlier than expected this year, making travel impossible until next summer. The police emphasize that public safety is their top priority and urge everyone to avoid attempting this route until further notice.