Two die as rain, snow batter Gilgit-Baltistan; Babusar Pass shut

Two young men died on Thursday after a landslide struck their vehicle on the Karakoram Highway, as heavy rain and snowfall disrupted daily life across Gilgit-Baltistan and forced authorities to close the Babusar Pass road to all traffic. The Gilgit-Baltistan rain snow spell left link roads blocked in several districts and stranded tourists near Babusar Top, who were later rescued by police.

Local police identified the two victims as Arif Hussain and Kashif Ali, both residents of Gulmat village in Nagar district. They were travelling on the Karakoram Highway early on Thursday when a rock dislodged by rain struck their vehicle in a landslide-prone stretch near Pissan. Both men suffered serious injuries and were taken to a nearby government hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead.

According to the local administration, rain triggered landslides at multiple points in the Nagar section of the highway on Wednesday and Thursday. A police spokesperson said heavy rain was still continuing in Nagar district, sending rocks and debris onto the road at various places.

“The public is advised to contact the Police Helpline at 15 to check the latest status of the highway before travelling,” the spokesperson said. Despite the blockages, the Karakoram Highway itself remained open to traffic, though officials warned the journey had become risky.

Babusar Pass shut after heavy snow; tourists rescued

Upper areas of Gilgit-Baltistan received intermittent snowfall while lower areas got rain, and the authorities shut the Babusar Pass road after heavy snow piled up at Babusar Top. “All travellers and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to choose alternative routes,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

A large number of tourists travelling toward Gilgit-Baltistan through Babusar were caught near Babusar Top on Wednesday night as conditions worsened. Diamer police teams reached the stranded travellers and brought them safely to Babusar Top, the spokesperson said.

The Tourist Police added that heavy snowfall at Khunjerab Top had made the Karakoram Highway potentially dangerous near the border. Traffic between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass remained disrupted because of slippery conditions.

Snowfall also continued across the upper parts of Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Hunza and Nagar, creating hardship for residents. Many link roads to remote valleys stood blocked.

Gilgit-Baltistan rain snow: staying safe on the KKH

The Karakoram Highway cuts through steep mountain terrain, and its Nagar section is known for loose rock and sudden slides during rain. Even moderate rainfall can loosen slopes that were fractured in earlier seasons, which is why police keep stressing the helpline-15 advisory before any journey in this weather.

For travellers, the practical steps are simple: confirm the road status with police before setting out, avoid night travel through slide-prone sections, and keep to alternative routes when a pass is officially closed rather than trying to cross it. The region saw a similar wave of extreme weather elsewhere this week, when Istanbul recorded its heaviest rainfall in 80 years, and Gilgit-Baltistan remains under close watch after authorities stepped up security for foreigners there and Pakistan and China held the Karakoram 2026 exercise in Xinjiang. Road closures have also hit the capital region, where a major Islamabad road was shut until further notice.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Babusar Pass open?

No. The road has been temporarily closed to all traffic because of heavy snowfall at Babusar Top. Authorities have asked travellers to avoid unnecessary travel and use alternative routes.

Is the Karakoram Highway open?

Yes, but with caution. The highway remains open despite blockages along the route. Police advise checking the latest status on the helpline 15 before travelling.

Who died in the Gilgit-Baltistan landslide?

Two young men, Arif Hussain and Kashif Ali of Gulmat village in Nagar district, died when a landslide struck their vehicle near the Pissan section of the Karakoram Highway on Thursday.

Are tourists safe in Gilgit-Baltistan?

Tourists stranded near Babusar Top were rescued by Diamer police. Officials advise tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in the current weather and to confirm road conditions first.