Gilgit-Baltistan Landslide: 2 Dead, Pass Shut | Shyok Times
Gilgit-Baltistan Landslide: 2 Killed, Babusar Pass Shut in Deadly Storm
GILGIT: A Gilgit-Baltistan landslide killed two young men on Thursday when a falling rock struck their vehicle on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Intermittent rain and snowfall disrupted life across the region, blocked the Babusar Pass road and cut off several links to remote areas.
Who were the victims?
Police identified the victims as Arif Hussain and Kashif Ali, residents of Gulmat village in Nagar district. They were travelling on the KKH early Thursday when a rock fell in a landslide-prone stretch near the Pissan section.
Both men were critically injured and taken to a nearby government hospital. Doctors pronounced them dead there.
Landslides across Nagar district
According to the local administration, rain triggered landslides at multiple locations in the Nagar section on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Heavy rain is currently continuing in the Nagar district, leading to landslides at various locations along the Karakoram Highway. However, the highway remains open to traffic,” a GB police spokesperson said.
Police urged the public to call the Police Helpline 15 to check the highway’s latest status before travelling. The Gilgit-Baltistan landslide has renewed concerns about driving through mountain areas, where falling rocks and unstable slopes are serious risks in bad weather.
Is the Babusar Pass road open?
No. The Babusar Pass road has been temporarily closed to all traffic because of heavy snowfall at Babusar Top, police said. Travellers and tourists have been told to avoid unnecessary travel and use alternative routes.
A large number of tourists heading toward Gilgit-Baltistan via Babusar were stranded near Babusar Top on Wednesday night. Diamer police rescued them from the snow and brought them safely to Babusar Top.
Khunjerab Pass and KKH conditions
Tourist Police said heavy snowfall at Khunjerab Top has made the Karakoram Highway potentially dangerous. Traffic between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass remained disrupted because of slippery conditions.
Snowfall in upper districts, rain in the lower areas
Upper areas of GB received intermittent snowfall, while lower areas saw rain. Snow continued in the upper parts of:
- Astore
- Skardu
- Ghanche
- Shigar
- Kharmang
- Hunza
- Nagar
Many link roads in these districts are blocked, making movement difficult for residents.
Travel advisory: what to do now
- Check before you travel: call the GB Police Helpline 15 for the latest KKH status.
- Tourists: the Tourist Police can be reached at 1422 or 05811930055.
- Avoid Babusar Pass until police announce that it has reopened.
- Alternative route: authorities say travellers can use the KKH via Chilas and Kohistan, which remains open.
- Be cautious in landslide-prone sections such as Pissan, especially during rain.
- Avoid non-essential journeys while severe weather continues.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the Gilgit-Baltistan landslide?
A rock fell on a vehicle near Pissan on the Karakoram Highway early Thursday, killing Arif Hussain and Kashif Ali of Gulmat, Nagar.
Is the Karakoram Highway open?
Yes. Police say the KKH remains open despite landslides and blockages, but conditions can change quickly. Call 15 before travelling.
Is Babusar Pass closed?
Yes. It is closed to all traffic because of heavy snowfall at Babusar Top.
Is the Khunjerab Pass open for Pakistan–China traffic?
Traffic remained disrupted because of snowfall and slippery roads.
Who should tourists call for updates?
Police Helpline 15, or the Tourist Police on 1422 or 05811930055.
External Resources (DoFollow):
Follow more on Minute Mirror: Two killed as heavy rain and snowfall disrupt life in GB
Keep reading via DAWN: Two killed as rain, snow disrupt life across GB
