Journalist Shabana Liaqat, family missing in Gilgit-Baltistan floods

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government on Sunday confirmed that another family has reported their loved ones missing in the Babusar Road floods and it is that of Shabana Liaqat, a TV journalist.

Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq — who earlier had reported that only two families contacted them regarding missing persons— confirmed that the family of an anchorperson Shabana Liaqat, associated with a local TV channel, has reportedly gone missing on the Babusar Pass.

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Faraq said her husband Liaqat and their three children were among those reported missing.

He also revealed that local volunteers had recovered purse of Shabana which contained her card.

According to him, eyewitnesses claim that around 10 to 15 tourists were swept away by flash floods in the area.

“So far, seven bodies have been recovered from the Babusar Pass, and a search operation is underway to locate other missing tourists. The search operation is being assisted by tracker dogs and drones,” Faraq said.

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He said that the Diamer police, administration, disaster management, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Army, and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts are all involved in the rescue and search operation.

“The search operation will continue until the missing persons are located. The government is working tirelessly to respond to the crisis and provide assistance to those affected by the floods. The situation remains challenging, but efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the disaster,” Faraq added.