Following recent tourist fatalities in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Motorway Police have urged heightened caution for individuals planning journeys to mountainous regions. They emphasized the critical importance of ensuring vehicle fitness and diligently monitoring weather conditions. Speaking on Geo News’ morning show “Geo Pakistan,” DIG Motorway Police Syed Fareed Ali stressed that tourists frequently underestimate the inherent risks associated with travel to northern areas.
“I believe that people are not as prepared as they should be,” stated DIG Fareed. “It is very important to check what condition your vehicle is in. Get your car fully checked — all of its tyres, its batteries, and any minor repairs — have them properly fixed.” He cautioned that even minor mechanical issues could escalate into significant mishaps in remote, mountainous terrain where emergency services are limited. “In mountainous areas, anything can happen at any time, and facilities there are limited,” he said. “So even a small issue with the car can turn into a major problem — especially when you’re travelling with family.”
The senior police official strongly advised travellers to consult weather forecasts, confirm hotel reservations, assess traffic conditions, and verify their vehicles’ readiness for the journey prior to departure. “Tyres, in particular, are very important. Even a slightly weak tyre can become the cause of a major accident,” he added. “Brakes, headlights, indicators — every single thing should be in perfect condition.” DIG Fareed also recommended that each vehicle should ideally have at least two drivers, citing the high level of concentration required for navigating challenging terrain over long distances. “Mountainous terrain requires a great deal of concentration, and for one driver, it becomes very difficult to drive for such long stretches,” he noted.
Tourist Tragedies in Gilgit-Baltistan: Mounting Risks and Calls for Vigilance
This cautionary message follows the tragic discovery of four tourists’ bodies in a ravine near Istak village in Skardu’s Roundu valley. The group had gone missing on May 15th while en route from Gilgit to Skardu. Rescue officials confirmed that their vehicle had plummeted into a gorge along the Baltistan Highway. Two bodies were recovered earlier in the week, with a search operation led by rescue teams locating the remaining two on Saturday. Among the deceased was a Pakistani-origin Italian national.
In a separate incident last month, a Thai tourist was killed and another injured when their vehicle was struck by falling rocks near Ghawari in the Ganache district. The vehicle, carrying five occupants, was travelling from Skardu to Khaplu when it was impacted by debris from a hillside. Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan continue to urge caution, as unpredictable weather patterns and terrain-related hazards pose increasing risks to both domestic and international tourists visiting the region.
