One Rescued, Search Underway for Remaining Victims
GILGIT-BALTISTAN: A rafting excursion in the scenic area of Jhuq Kachora turned tragic on Tuesday when a raft carrying three tourists capsized, plunging all on board into the fast-moving river. The incident occurred despite an official ban on water activities due to ongoing safety concerns following recent flash floods.
According to local police, the three tourists — identified as Asad, Ahmed, and Aqsa — are residents of Karachi. Rescue teams were able to successfully recover Asad, who survived the ordeal. However, Ahmed and Aqsa remain missing, and an extensive search and rescue operation is ongoing across multiple stretches of the river.
Authorities have deployed rescue personnel and boats to scour the area, but as of the latest update, there is no confirmed sighting of the missing individuals. Their families have been informed, and volunteers have also joined the search effort.
Activity Banned Amid Safety Warnings
Police officials revealed that the Gilgit-Baltistan administration had previously banned rafting and swimming in the region due to dangerous conditions caused by recent flash floods. Despite the ban, rafting activities were reportedly still taking place, leading to the tragic incident.
In response to the accident, the local administration has once again urged all tourists and tour operators to strictly follow government-issued safety directives. A formal advisory has been reissued, reminding visitors that non-compliance with safety measures could lead to further loss of life.
Authorities are now investigating how the banned activity was allowed to proceed, and whether any negligence occurred on the part of tour organizers.
Tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan have been advised to avoid high-risk activities, particularly in areas affected by natural disasters.
