Journalist Shabana Liaqat’s vehicle found, family still missing

GILGIT: Authorities on Monday recovered the vehicle of private TV anchor Shabana Liaqat from flood debris during a rescue and search operation on Babusar Road, G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed.

Shabana Liaqat, her husband Liaqat Ali, and their three children were among the 15 tourists reportedly swept away and missing in last week’s floods on Babusar Road.

The spokesperson said that Babusar Road has been partially reopened for one-way traffic after temporary closure.

He urged travelers to exercise caution, as the road is still under safety monitoring. “We advise all passengers to travel carefully.”

He also called on citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. “Heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris and restore the road,” the spokesperson added.

Human remains found in Babusar flood zone search operation

Devastating flood emergency

Meanwhile, opposition members in the G-B Assembly demanded an immediate special session to address the devastating flood emergency and Sost traders’ issues.

“Gilgit-Baltistan is facing a severe flood emergency, with nearly all districts affected by heavy rains, overflowing rivers, flash floods, GLOFs, glacier surges, and landslides. This calamity has destroyed infrastructure, caused property loss, displaced communities, and disrupted essential services, plunging the region into a humanitarian crisis. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan look to their elected representatives for decisive, inclusive, and collective leadership in this unprecedented disaster, ” wrote G-B Assembly member Javaid Ali Manwa in a letter to the chief minister and governor.

The letter also highlighted unrest among traders at Sost Dry Port due to prolonged trade disruptions and lack of government facilitation, urging parliamentary discussion.

“A large number of traders are engaged in protest due to prolonged issues concerning trade disruption and lack of government facilitation. This matter, too, warrants immediate attention and parliamentary discussion, as it directly impacts regional economic activity and public confidence in institutional responsiveness,” the letter added.

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Given the disaster’s scale, the letter emphasized uniting all stakeholders—government, opposition, and institutions—to coordinate relief, rehabilitation, and federal support appeals. “A collective strategy is essential not only to address immediate relief and rehabilitation needs, but also to advocate effectively with the Federal Government for the required support and assistance,” it added.

The opposition member urged convening a special Assembly session to adopt a bipartisan resolution and framework for joint action.

“This session should serve as a platform to deliberate on the prevailing emergency, adopt a bipartisan resolution, and chart out a framework for joint action that reflects the collective will of the Assembly,” the letter added.