BABUSAR TOP: A private TV channel female anchorperson, Shabana, has gone missing along with her entire family during a trip to Babusar Top. The family — including her husband Liaquat Ali and their four children, Aimal, Iman, and two others — was last heard from on July 21. Since then, all communication has ceased, raising alarm among relatives and colleagues.
Authorities launched a full-scale search operation after receiving the report. Rescue teams are currently using modern technology and sniffer dogs in their efforts to locate the missing individuals. Despite the difficult terrain and weather conditions at Babusar Top, the operation remains ongoing.
Tourists rescued from Babusar Top: Female TV anchor goes missing
Babusar cleared of stranded tourists following a major rescue operation, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government confirmed on Wednesday. Over 250 individuals were safely moved from Babusar Top to Chilas after flash floods and landslides cut off access. Authorities say the Babusar cleared of stranded tourists milestone was achieved through joint efforts, although a search for missing individuals is ongoing.
According to GB spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, tourists stuck in Deosai were also shifted to safer places. Babusar cleared of stranded tourists after days of heavy monsoon rains that triggered landslides and flooding. The Silk Road remains shut to large vehicles, while Babusar Road is fully blocked. Authorities note that although Babusar cleared of stranded tourists, the road infrastructure remains compromised.
The flash floods in Diamer resulted in five deaths, including four tourists. Around 15 individuals remain missing. A cloudburst at Babusar Top injured several others, highlighting the vulnerability of popular tourist areas. Despite Babusar cleared of stranded tourists, the risk in the region remains high.
Free accommodations are being provided to affected tourists by the government and local hotel owners. However, the Karakoram Highway is again inaccessible at several points. While Babusar cleared of stranded tourists, others remain stranded along alternate routes. Rescue teams are now working to reopen roads up to Bisham.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan is expected to visit the affected zone to assess conditions personally. The Babusar cleared of stranded tourists operation does not mark the end of the crisis, as monsoon rains continue nationwide.
Across Pakistan, the NDMA reported 13 additional deaths on Tuesday, raising the nationwide monsoon death toll to 234. Though Babusar cleared of stranded tourists, weather systems fed by the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea continue to bring rainfall. NDMA warnings about floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) especially in northern areas remain in place.
River water levels continue to rise, particularly in the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, and Kabul rivers. Authorities expect moderate flooding in the Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Jhelum may overflow at Mangla, and Kabul River is likely to surge at Nowshera. Despite Babusar cleared of stranded tourists, new regions are now under threat.
Further risks exist in Swat, Panjkora, Hunza, Shigar, Khunjerab, Shimshal, and Saltoro. Balochistan’s Musakhel, Sherani, Zhob, and Sibi districts may face localized flooding in streams. While Babusar cleared of stranded tourists brings some relief, authorities continue to urge the public to avoid mountainous regions until July 25.
Emergency equipment has been deployed and road advisories issued. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across Punjab, KP, Sindh, Balochistan, GB, and Azad Kashmir through July 24. Although Babusar cleared of stranded tourists marks a successful operation, extreme caution is still advised.
