New advisory for tourists amid snowfall in northern areas

Islamabad: The Meteorological Department has warned tourists that more snowfall is expected at popular tourist spots in the northern parts of the country. 

The Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also advised tourists to be cautious about visiting snow-covered recreational spots.

An advisory issued on January 30 said that moderate to exceptional snowfall may occur in higher areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa till February 4.

The advisory issued on February 4 stated that snowfall may continue into next week.

Kalam received seven inches of snow while Malam Jabba and Murree received four inches of snow, the Meteorological Department said in an update on snowfall on Sunday.

According to the advisory, it may snow in different places including Diamer, Astor, Ghazar, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanshe and Shagar located in Gilgit Baltistan. While in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimbar and Mirpur are also expected to receive snow.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, snowfall is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Murree and Galiyat.

Kaghan Development Authority has closed the Mansehra Naran Jalkhad road from Kaghan and banned the entry of tourists.

The Disaster Management Authority in Punjab has issued a special advisory for those planning to travel during winter.

In the special advisory, tourists are requested to get weather updates before travel, check their vehicle thoroughly, keep fuel tank full, avoid traveling in vehicles with old tires and keep tires under-inflated.

It has also been instructed that tires should be studded to prevent the vehicle from slipping in snowy areas, engine should not be switched off even in case of traffic jams and smoke emission should be ensured.

PDMA advises not to leave the car heater on for long periods with the windows closed, to travel with plenty of food and drink (including dry fruit) and plenty of warm clothes. 

Tourists are also advised to contact PDMA on 1199 or Motorway Authority on 130 in case of emergency.