Diamer/Islamabad, July 28, 2025: The Babusar-Naran Highway was partially reopened for one-way traffic on Monday following last week’s devastating flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as authorities continue to search for missing persons amid ongoing recovery and restoration efforts.
Triggered by torrential rains and cloudbursts on July 21, the floods swept through various parts of GB, causing landslides, washing away infrastructure, and damaging more than 500 houses and roads. At least 10 people were confirmed dead and four others injured.
In a statement, GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the partial reopening of the vital route, saying: “Heavy machinery was used to clear the road for one-way traffic. Full restoration work is still underway.” He urged travellers to exercise caution and avoid non-essential journeys.
Faraq also revealed that several families, including relatives of TV anchor Shabana Liaquat, had contacted the government in search of missing loved ones. Her wallet, along with student cards belonging to her and her child, was found among the flood debris. “Pakistan Army sniffer dogs have been deployed to assist in locating those possibly buried under the rubble,” he added.
Separately, the National Highway Authority (NHA) launched expedited road restoration efforts across the flood-hit northern areas following instructions from Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.
The minister said that crucial road links, including the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (N-15) and the Skardu-Jaglot Road, were severely impacted by landslides. Restoration teams have so far cleared multiple obstruction points, allowing for partial resumption of traffic and access to remote areas.
Describing the 242-kilometre-long N-15 as a “critical route for tourism and regional connectivity”, Khan said the road was blocked in several sections but major progress had been made. According to NHA officials, 20 out of 25 landslide points on the Skardu-Jaglot Road have already been cleared.
Communication Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud and the NHA chairman were present on-site to supervise operations. Mehsud affirmed the government’s commitment to fully restoring access across all affected highways. “Travel towards Kaghan and Naran has resumed, and our teams remain on high alert,” he said.
All field staff have been placed on 24-hour emergency duty, with leaves cancelled and an emergency response plan activated across GB. Heavy machinery remains deployed across vulnerable areas.
NDMA issues rain alert
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a fresh alert warning of further rainfall in northern Pakistan from July 28 to 31, predicting potential urban flooding, glacial surges, and landslides.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) forecast rains in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Shigar, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Bagh.
“These rains may trigger flooding and landslides in mountainous regions,” NEOC warned, advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. In Chitral Valley, increased water flow in the River Chitral is expected due to rainfall combined with glacier melt, while urban flooding may occur in Muzaffarabad and Bagh.
The NDMA directed all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and ensure emergency response systems are active to minimize risks to life and property.
