KP orders winter relief preparations in eight high-risk districts

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Relief Department has ordered agencies to finish winter preparations in eight districts the province classes as very high risk, with machinery, fuel and trained operators ready to reopen roads in snow-covered valleys.

The instructions were issued at a Relief Department meeting on winter preparedness for 2026-2027, chaired by Samar Haroon Bilour, the governor's adviser on information, public relations, relief, rehabilitation and settlement. Winter threats were assessed in all 37 districts of the province, Ua.News reported, citing The Express Tribune.

Bilour named Upper Chitral, Upper Kohistan, Upper Dir, Shangla, Mansehra and Swat among the districts needing particular attention because of snowfall. Officials were told to identify in advance the roads likely to be blocked, the alternative routes and the settlements that could be cut off, and to check relief stocks against each district's needs along with the transport and distribution of supplies.

She ordered an assessment of what each district needs in funding for relief work, and said financial constraints should be removed as a priority. The funding question is to go to the provincial Finance Department and the governor.

Relief operations should reach homeless and low-income people first, and women, children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, she instructed. Rescue teams, transport and equipment are to work around the clock for terrorist threats, road accidents and other emergencies.

Bilour called for closer coordination between Rescue 1122, district administrations, police and the health department, and for district and provincial emergency operations centres to stay operational. Weather warnings, safe locations and evacuation options are to be passed on promptly, including at tourist sites.

ProPakistani reported the development as eight districts being put on high alert ahead of a severe winter.