Missing Tourists
At least 14 tourists who went missing while traveling from Gilgit Baltistan’s Skardu to Gultari were found safe on Friday. These individuals had gone missing the previous day, prompting a large-scale rescue effort by local authorities and the Pakistan Army.
According to Skardu Deputy Commissioner Arif Ahmed, “The search team coming from Gultari located the missing individuals. All of them are safe.” The tourists had taken refuge in an area known as “Shoo Wai” after becoming trapped by heavy snowfall. They were immediately moved to a safer location once the rescue team arrived.
The group of 14 tourists had been traveling in two vehicles on Thursday when they became stranded in severe weather conditions. Communication with the group was lost as they traveled from Gultari to Deosai, an area known for its breathtaking landscapes but harsh winter conditions.
Upon losing contact, the Pakistan Army was quick to respond, initiating both aerial and ground rescue operations. A joint team of Pakistan Army personnel, along with local rescuers, set out on foot to reach the stranded tourists.
In addition, two army helicopters were deployed to assist in the rescue operation, scanning the snowy terrain for signs of the missing individuals.
The successful rescue of the tourists in Skardu brought relief to the families and authorities involved in the operation, but the challenging weather conditions continue to pose a significant threat to travelers in the region.
In another incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Kalam region, dozens of tourists were left stranded after an avalanche blocked the main road to Mahodand.
The avalanche occurred at Chashm-e-Shifa on Mahodand Road, cutting off all traffic and leaving tourists unable to leave the area. Local sources confirmed that efforts were underway to clear the road and ensure the safety of the stranded visitors.
The stranded tourists have appealed to the local administration for immediate assistance, requesting that arrangements be made to clear the roads so they can return home safely. Avalanches and road blockages in the region are common during the winter months, making travel especially dangerous.
In a separate, unrelated incident, three tourists from Lahore were injured in a road accident in the Maniyar area of Breikot, Swat. Their vehicle reportedly lost control and collided with an electricity pole.
According to one of the tourists, the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel. The injured individuals were quickly transferred to a local hospital for treatment.
These incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by tourists in Pakistan’s northern regions during the winter season. Severe weather, including heavy snowfall and avalanches, often disrupts travel and poses serious safety risks.
Local authorities are being urged to enhance safety measures, improve communication with travelers, and ensure that rescue teams are on standby to provide timely assistance in case of emergencies.
With winter conditions likely to continue worsening, there is a growing need for coordinated efforts between local governments, the military, and rescue services to ensure the safety and well-being of both locals and tourists in these remote areas.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
