By Dr. Khan Shahzada & Dr. Abdullah :
From May to June 2025, the northern mountainous areas of Pakistan experienced a series of deadly incidents involving domestic tourists, resulting in over 40 fatalities and multiple injuries Despite an increase in tourism activities in scenic areas such as Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kaghan, Kalam, and Swat, here is still poor awareness of mountainous risks, weak regulatory enforcement, and poor preparation that continue to leave travelers at high-risk exposure.
Seven serious accidents were recorded in the initial two months of the prime season of tourism. These included vehicles falling into deep ravines due to overloading, driver fatigue and unfamiliar with how to drive on hilly terrain; tourists being buried under glaciers while taking pictures; boats capsizing in strong river currents because they didn’t have life jackets; and whole families being swept away by flash floods with no local warning systems.
Investigations show that key contributing factors were excessive continuous driving hours, inexperienced drivers, a lack of safety infrastructure (such as guardrails and signage), risky tourist behavior in hazardous areas, and a lack of local rescue sources. Several events are similar to those from past seasons, highlighting systemic problems that haven’t been properly fixed yet.
Local tourism is expected to grow further; urgent measures are needed to improve road safety, enforce rules for passengers and vehicles, strengthen rescue and early warning systems, and encourage tourists to act responsibly. These steps are very important to make sure that Pakistan’s natural beauty stays a source of joy for families who visit instead of a source of tragedy.
This report seeks to highlight the human cost of tourism without safety, presenting these recent tragedies not just as isolated events, but as indicators of systemic vulnerability. It argues that in the absence of prompt policy focus, inter-agency coordination, and public education, these accidents will continue to happen with tragic frequency every tourist season.
Finally, tourism cannot be at the expense of life. The government, local authorities, civil society, and the media must join hands to implement a national tourist safety policy, hold transport operators accountable, and sensitize travelers especially during peak seasons. Tourists should also be encouraged to travel responsibly, with preparation, patience, and respect for the risks hidden behind natural beauty.
A review of these tragic events shows that from May to June 2025; seven major incidents occurred in Pakistan’s northern regions. Eight family members lost their lives in Lower Kohistan when an overloaded car fell into a ravine. Four friends from Gujrat went missing and were later found dead near Jaglot-Skardu due to overnight driving and fatigue. A mother and her young sons died in Martung Valley, Buner, after their car plunged into a gorge.
Three family members were buried by a collapsing glacier while taking photos in Naran. A family’s boat capsized in Kalam, resulting in five drownings due to engine failure and lack of life jackets. A couple died when their car fell into a gorge near Kaghan during night driving. Sixteen people were swept away by a flash flood in Mingora, Swat River, with only three survivors.
