Mansehra | ReNews Pakistan
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has initiated a large scale operation to remove snow and glaciers from the Mansehra/Naran/Jalkhad (MNJ) Road, signaling the imminent reopening of Naran to tourists after nearly six months of seasonal closure.
Heavy machinery has been deployed at key points along the route to clear accumulated snow and cut through glaciers that blocked access following intense snowfall in November last year. The MNJ Road, a critical link connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit/Baltistan via the scenic Kaghan Valley, was closed at the onset of winter due to harsh weather conditions.
According to Hussain Deen, Chairman of the Kaghan Hoteliers Association, traffic between Naran and other parts of the province is expected to resume within the next few days. However, he noted that full restoration of the entire route could take additional time.
Officials overseeing the operation confirmed that while significant progress has been made, complete reopening of the road may take another four to five weeks, depending on weather conditions and the remaining accumulation of snow.
Meanwhile, local stakeholders have begun returning to Naran to prepare for the upcoming tourist season. Access to major attractions, including Lake Saiful Muluk and surrounding areas, remains restricted due to heavy snow and the risk of landslides.
Residents pointed out that snowfall in upper Kaghan Valley was comparatively lower this year, enabling earlier clearance work up to Naran and nearby areas such as Battakundi.
Security arrangements are also being gradually restored. Police posts in Basal, Plundrain, Soach, Lake Road, Battakundi, and Jalkhad will resume operations in phases as the road is cleared. The police station currently operating in lower Kaghan is expected to shift back to Naran to ensure tourist safety and manage traffic effectively.
Authorities believe that the gradual reopening of the MNJ Road will restore connectivity between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the beginning of the summer tourism season in the Kaghan Valley.