Authorities have imposed a complete travel ban. The ban stops all movement between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. It affects travel through the scenic Kaghan Valley.
Government close Kaghan Valley Route to Gilgit Baltistan!
They made the decision due to dangerous winter conditions. Icy roads and extreme weather make the route unsafe.
Assistant Commissioner Balakot Hasrat Khan confirmed the ban. He said it followed a meeting with all relevant departments.
Official Order: No Movement for Tourists and Passenger Vehicles
The ban is fully restrictive. Tourists can not travel to Gilgit-Baltistan on this route. Motorists and passenger vehicles are also fully restricted.
The Gilgit-Baltistan administration is cooperating. The Chilas administration has implemented the same restrictions. This applies along the entire Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) route.
The goal is to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Limited Tourist Access to Battakundi and Saiful Muluk
There is limited access for tourists. They are permitted to visit Battakundi and Saiful Muluk. This access comes with strict conditions.
Tourists can travel between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This is the designated safe travel window.
All vehicles must have chained tyres. The chains are mandatory due to extremely icy roads outside this time frame.
Authorities Cite Public Safety Concerns
The primary reason for the ban is public safety. The winter conditions in the valley are severe. The roads become treacherous, especially at higher altitudes.
This proactive measure aims to avoid any emergencies. They should check the weather and road conditions before planning any trip to the northern areas.
