Authorities in Mansehra have temporarily banned tourist travel to Saif-ul-Mulook after heavy rainfall caused landslides in the area. Officials said the decision was taken to protect visitors from possible dangers caused by unstable weather conditions.
According to local authorities, the road leading to Saif-ul-Mulook has been closed for all kinds of traffic. The closure was ordered on the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra after landslides created serious safety risks along the route.
Police said the road will remain closed until weather conditions improve. Officials will inspect the area before allowing tourists to return. They stressed that public safety remains the top priority during the ongoing spell of bad weather.
The latest decision follows a cloudburst that struck the region a day earlier. The intense rainfall triggered a landslide that washed away a section of the road leading to Saif-ul-Mulook. As a result, thousands of tourists became stranded in different parts of the area.
Police, along with the district administration, immediately launched a rescue operation. Rescue teams worked for several hours to safely evacuate visitors who were trapped due to the damaged road.
Officials confirmed that all stranded tourists were successfully shifted to Naran late at night. No major injuries or casualties were reported during the rescue operation.
Authorities praised the efforts of rescue teams and local officials who worked under difficult weather conditions. Emergency personnel remained on the ground until every stranded tourist had been moved to a safe location.
The district administration said repair work on the damaged road will begin once weather conditions become favorable. Continuous rainfall and the possibility of additional landslides have delayed restoration efforts.
Officials warned that reopening the road before it is declared safe could put lives at risk. They added that engineers and disaster management teams will assess the damaged section before traffic is allowed to resume.
Police have advised tourists and local residents to avoid unnecessary travel to upper areas during the current weather situation. Travelers have also been urged to monitor official weather updates before planning any trips.
Authorities asked the public to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and follow all safety instructions. Ignoring travel restrictions could increase the risk of accidents in mountainous regions.
The recent rains have affected several northern areas of Pakistan, raising concerns about landslides and flash floods. Disaster management authorities continue to monitor the situation and remain prepared for emergency response if required.
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Tourists planning to visit Saif-ul-Mulook are advised to postpone their trips until the administration officially announces that the road has reopened. Officials said updates regarding road conditions and tourist access will be shared after weather conditions improve and safety inspections are completed.
