The district administration in Mansehra has imposed a complete ban on travel between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan through the Kaghan Valley. Officials said the restriction will remain in place until next summer due to dangerous winter conditions.
Assistant Commissioner Balakot Hasrat Khan said the ban covers passenger vehicles, private motorists and tourists. He added that the decision was taken after a meeting with all relevant departments.
He confirmed that authorities in Chilas have also restricted travel on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad route. Both administrations are coordinating to prevent movement through the hazardous sections.
Tourists are allowed to travel only up to Battakundi and Saiful Muluk between 11 AM and 3 PM. Vehicles must use chained tyres because roads remain icy outside those hours. Khan said there are no restrictions on travel up to Naran for now. He noted that most residents of upper Kaghan areas have already migrated for the winter.
Police posts in higher altitudes have also been closed for the season. Officials expect the Kaghan Babusar Top section of the MNJ Road to reopen in early May, when the valley will resume normal movement.
