Normal life in the tourist areas of Galiyat Sunday has been severely disrupted following heavy snowfall, which has resulted in prolonged power outages, blocked link roads, and communication breakdowns, leaving both residents and tourists stranded. In view of the worsening situation, Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Amina Sardar contacted Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram and Chief Executive Officer Hazara Electric Supply Company (HEZCO) Qazi Tahir, urging them to accelerate efforts to restore electricity, reopen roads, and rescue stranded tourists. Recent snowfall has led to the complete closure of link roads across Circle Galiyat, while the electricity system has been badly affected due to fallen poles and broken transmission lines. The suspension of mobile phone services following the shutdown of mobile towers has further cut off communication with affected areas. As a result, local residents and tourists remain confined to their homes and hotels, with daily life coming to a standstill. Residents have reported acute shortages of medicines, essential food items, and firewood in several areas, while the prices of available goods have surged significantly above normal rates, adding to public distress. MPA Amina Sardar said that the record snowfall had compounded hardships for the people, who have been cut off from urban centers with no electricity or mobile network, while tourists are also facing severe difficulties. She called upon local authorities to give top priority to the restoration of basic services and relief measures. It is noteworthy that snowfall over the past two days has paralyzed normal life in Circle Galiyat. Despite the presence of tourists who arrived to enjoy the snowfall, both visitors and locals remain stranded due to blocked roads. Hospitals and markets remain inaccessible, forcing residents to struggle to meet healthcare needs and procure essential supplies. So far, the district administration and relevant departments have not been able to fully restore road connectivity, intensifying concerns as cold weather conditions persist. app
Power, road closures paralyse life in Galiyat as tourists remain stranded
Published on: January 26, 2026 2:30 AM