Gilgit: The Prime Minister’s Secretariat has invited three shepherds from Gilgit-Baltistan’s (GB) Ghizer Valley, who heroically saved nearly 300 lives during the devastating flood in Roshan-Talidas by making urgent calls for evacuation, officials said on Sunday.
Earlier, the GB Chief Minister had announced that the heroes would be officially recognized in Gilgit. Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the GB government, confirmed that the shepherds — Ansar Anjum, Wasiat Khan, and Muhammad Jan — used the available SCOM network to alert authorities and villagers, enabling hundreds to escape before the flood hit. The trio will now be honored at the federal level.
In Talidas, GBDMA technical teams have prepared SOPs for the controlled release of water from the newly formed lake, while the NHA has deployed heavy machinery to restore road connectivity within 48 hours. The Pakistan Army, under directives from the COAS, has also set up medical camps in Roshan and Talidas villages, treating more than 600 patients and distributing rations and tents among displaced families.
The community of Roshan-Talidas, however, continues to seek rehabilitation support, including restoration of connectivity and the establishment of a safer campsite. The provincial government confirmed that the lake in Roshan Nala has reduced by 40 feet, posing no immediate threat, though continuous monitoring is underway.
Meanwhile, the Gilgit-Baltistan Advocacy Forum (GBAF) expressed deep concern over the scale of destruction caused by recent floods, landslides, and glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF). According to government figures, at least 35 people have died, seven remain missing in Diamer, and nearly 1,000 houses have been damaged — 318 completely destroyed and 674 partially. The forum has urged climate-responsive relief, stronger early warning systems, and gender-sensitive aid distribution.
