Avalanche buries over 20 hotels, huts in Pakistan’s popular Naran tourist resort

The screengrab taken from a video shared by Pak Weather on March 22, 2024, shows huts and residential structures buried under an avalanche triggered by the collapse of two glaciers at a popular tourist resort of Naran in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (Pak Weather)
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Updated 22 March 2024
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Avalanche buries over 20 hotels, huts in Pakistan’s popular Naran tourist resort

  • Rescue officials say no loss of life has been reported in the incident caused by glacier collapse
  • Authorities say they will share complete damage report after full assessment of the affected area

PESHAWAR: An avalanche triggered by the collapse of two glaciers buried over 20 huts, hotels, and residential structures at the popular tourist resort of Naran in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a report from the deputy commissioner’s office in Mansehra on Thursday.

Known for its scenic beauty, Naran attracts a large number of tourists, especially in the summer, with its lush greenery, river, lakes and cool climate. In winter, Naran is often covered in snow which completely transforms its landscape.

It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Pakistan during the summer months due to its natural beauty and access to nearby attractions like Saif-ul-Mulook Lake.

The official incident report said the officials in the area cautioned about the sliding of two glaciers in advance at 10 PM a day earlier.

“Resultantly at least 20+ (hotels, small huts, nomads cemented and katcha structures) have been directly hit between the night of 19th-20th March, 2024,” it said.

The report said the administration officials visited the areas on foot due to road closure caused by four yearly glaciers.

“Complete details [of the damage] will be shared after the actual assessment,” it added.

Pakistan has been facing climate change issues that include unpredictable weather patterns, increased precipitation and rapid glacial melt in the mountainous regions.

Speaking to Arab News, the Rescue 1122 spokesperson for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bilal Faizi, said no human loss was reported in the incident.

“Work on road clearance is underway, but it will take some time,” he added.


US says trade with Pakistan could top $8 billion in 2025

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US says trade with Pakistan could top $8 billion in 2025

  • US chargé d’affaires links rising trade to deeper economic engagement with Pakistan
  • Visit comes amid broader effort by Islamabad and Washington to improve bilateral ties 

ISLAMABAD: Trade between the United States and Pakistan is projected to exceed $8 billion in 2025, the US Embassy said on Tuesday, as Washington signaled confidence in Pakistan’s export base and economic potential during a high-profile visit to the industrial city of Sialkot.

The projection was highlighted by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker during meetings with Pakistani exporters and business leaders, underlining the importance Washington places on trade, investment and supply-chain cooperation as the two countries seek to stabilize and expand their economic relationship.

“Highlighting the growth in trade between the United States and Pakistan, which was projected to reach over $8 billion in 2025, Baker said, ‘Expanding trade reflects a strong foundation that highlights the positive impact of US economic engagement in Pakistan and globally. The United States and Pakistan are pursuing a fair and balanced trade relationship that creates prosperity for both our nations’,” the US embassy said in a statement.

The envoy said the United States had been Pakistan’s largest export market and a leading investor, presenting significant opportunities for expanded trade and shared prosperity. 

“The United States remains deeply invested in Pakistan and its people,” Baker said, “building on a partnership that dates back to Pakistan’s independence and continues to grow through trade, innovation, education, and cultural exchange.”

The visit comes amid a broader effort by Islamabad and Washington to improve bilateral ties under US President Donald Trump’s second term, after years of uneven engagement. Since mid-2025, the two sides have stepped up diplomatic contacts, including meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s military leadership and US officials, alongside discussions on trade, minerals, security cooperation and regional stability.

Pakistan has also sought to re-energize economic diplomacy with Washington as it works to boost exports, attract foreign investment and stabilize its economy under an IMF-backed reform program. 

In July 2025, the two countries agreed to a bilateral trade deal that included reciprocal tariff reductions and frameworks for US investment in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors, a step Islamabad has hailed as opening new avenues for economic collaboration.

During her visit, Baker toured leading exporters including Forward Sports, First American Corporation (FAC) and CA Sports, companies that are deeply embedded in global supply chains. The embassy said nearly 70 percent of FAC’s exports go to the United States, illustrating sustained US consumer demand for Pakistani-made goods.

Baker also visited Sialkot International Airport and met with the leadership of AirSial, highlighting private-sector-led infrastructure and logistics as key to Pakistan’s export growth.