The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has confirmed that 15 individuals remain missing after being swept away by a flash flood that struck the Chilas region on July 21.
Among the missing is private TV anchor Shabana Liaqat and her family, officials said on Sunday. The development has deepened concerns over the scale of the disaster, which has already claimed at least eight lives in Chilas and ten across the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
According to Faizullah Firaq, spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, a wallet recovered during a recent search operation contained identification cards and some cash belonging to Shabana Liaqat and her son. This discovery prompted authorities to expand the search area.
“The media organization contacted us, but no one from the family has yet reached out,” said the spokesperson. “We are actively continuing search efforts for all the missing tourists, including the anchor and her family.”
Search Operations Hindered by Debris
Authorities said the search operation is being severely hampered by enormous piles of debris left by the floodwaters. Torrential rains and flash flooding have triggered landslides in the region, making rescue and recovery operations difficult.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s rugged terrain, combined with the impact of heavy monsoon rains, has complicated access to affected areas. Officials say rescue efforts remain ongoing, but adverse conditions are delaying progress.
The spokesperson reiterated that the government is committed to continuing operations until all missing persons are located or accounted for.
