Authorities in Islamabad have decided to temporarily close some of the most visited hiking trails in the Margalla Hills after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming three days.
According to officials, the closure will affect Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the trail that begins behind Saidpur Village.
These routes are popular with hikers and tourists, but because of the forecast, they will stay closed until August 19, 2025, to protect visitors from possible accidents and dangerous conditions.
The administration explained that heavy rainfall could trigger landslides, slippery paths, and falling rocks, all of which pose serious risks for people using the trails. In addition to the closure, rescue teams have been advised to stay alert in case of emergencies in the hilly areas.
The PMD has also issued a warning about the possibility of flash floods in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galliyat.
People living in or traveling to these areas have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary movement during this time, especially near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas where flooding is more likely.
Officials have requested the public to cooperate with safety measures and avoid ignoring the warnings. They also emphasized that these precautions are temporary and necessary to keep both residents and tourists safe.
Once the weather improves, the Margalla Hills trails are expected to reopen for hikers. Until then, people are encouraged to stay indoors, avoid risky travel, and keep updated with official weather alerts.
