NEELUM VALLEY (Kashmir English): In a groundbreaking move, the teams of Pakistan Army engineers and Public Works Departments (PWD) employees have launched a rescue clearance operation with heavy machinery.
The main highway of the upper Neelum Valley, Kel-Sharda, was closed on March 30, 2026, due to a sudden fall of large stones at the Kel Seri location, as a result of which thousands of tourists were stranded in the upper valley, while the land connection of the local population with Muzaffarabad was also cut off.
After 30 hours of continuous, tireless work, both agencies removed the large stones and debris lying on the road and restored the road. According to the administration, the Kel-Sharda highway has now been completely opened for all types of traffic.
The stranded tourists have been sent to safe places, while the land connection of the local population has also been restored. The district administration and public circles have praised the joint efforts of the Pakistan Army and the Public Works Department for their timely and effective action in difficult circumstances, calling it commendable.
