SOUTH WAZIRISTAN/SHANGLA: Hilly areas in both the Upper and Lower South Waziristan districts received the first snowfall and rain of the winter season on Friday night.

Residents said that hilly areas of Angoor Adda, Shakai, Ladha, Makin, Khamrang, Zam China and Pareghal received snowfall.

They said lack of facilities in the hilly areas exacerbated the challenges faced by them during the rainy season.

They also complained that snowfall had cut off the hilly areas with rest of the region.

Meanwhile, Shangla deputy commissioner Mohammad Fawad on Friday imposed ban on vehicles plying on the roads in snowbound areas without using snow chains.

In a notification, Mr Fawad asserted that the ban imposed under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code would remain enforced for 60 days, and those found violating it would be punished under Section 188 of Pakistan Penal Code.

It mentioned that the decision taken after it was observed that vehicles got stuck on the roads, causing traffic jams, besides accidents, as the drivers didn’t use snow chains. The notification said that the ban would be applicable in all the snowbound areas, particularly Yakhtangay, Shangla Top, Ajmeer, Lilownai, Alpuri, Chakesar and Puran.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025