MANSEHRA: The police on Tuesday launched a search and strike operation in the upper parts of Kaghan Valley after traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan resumed following a suspension of over six months.

“The operation aims to ensure the safety of tourists and travellers plying between KP and GB via Kaghan Valley,” Balakot DSP Sadaqat Nisar told reporters.

He said that police were adopting strict security measures in the mountainous areas of Babusar Top and Chattidas at the boundary between KP and GB to ensure safe travel for tourists and passengers between the two regions.

“The Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, which was closed to traffic in November last year following the first snowfall of the winter season, has now been cleared of glaciers and snow. Police posts along the road are also being reopened to ensure the safety of travellers and tourists,” Mr Nisar said.

Meanwhile, the district administration on Tuesday checked the safety gear provided to rafters at the Kunhar River in Naran ahead of Eidul Azha.

“Our teams visited Naran and inspected the rafts and safety gear provided to the operators,” Balakot Assistant Commissioner Hasrat Khan told reporters.

He said that the safety of tourists was important, which was why companies providing rafting services on the Kunhar River were bound to follow strict safety measures and protocols set by the government for water sports.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026