The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has issued a weather advisory valid until January 29, warning of heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and the risk of avalanches in northern and upper regions of the country.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a severe cold wave is expected to continue across most parts of the country. Islamabad will experience cold and dry weather, while cold winds are expected across most districts of Punjab.
In Murree, snowfall has stopped, but severe cold conditions will continue in Murree, the Galiyat, and surrounding areas. Sindh is expected to remain dry, with cold winds in coastal areas. Azad Kashmir will remain extremely cold, while Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to see partly cloudy skies.
NEOC stated that western weather systems are affecting upper and northern regions. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, heavy snowfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while avalanche risks persist in upper areas of Balochistan.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall and landslides have severely disrupted daily life in upper regions. In Lower Chitral, an avalanche claimed the lives of nine members of the same family, while one child was rescued alive.
In upper Azad Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Bagh, and Sudhnoti, heavy snowfall damaged homes, disrupted power supply, and blocked roads. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, roads in Kaghan Valley, Upper Dir, Kumrat, Lowari Tunnel, and Shangla Top have been closed, leading authorities to restrict tourist entry.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy snowfall and landslides have blocked the Karakoram Highway at multiple locations, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded. Several areas, including Astore, have been completely cut off from road access. In northern Balochistan, extreme cold has frozen water pipelines, causing significant hardship for residents.
The NDMA and PDMAs have instructed all relevant departments, rescue teams, and machinery to remain on high alert. Authorities have urged the public to follow weather advisories and use the NDMA Disaster Alert mobile app for guidance and updates.