Islamabad, May 25, 2025: In a heartbreaking incident, four friends, including three young relatives, lost their lives in a devastating Skardu road accident while on a sightseeing trip to the picturesque northern region. The confirmation of their deaths came after more than a week of anxious uncertainty.
The group consisted of 36-year-old Wasif Shehzad, 21-year-old Umar Ehsan from Kot Ghakka, 23-year-old Salman Nasrullah of Jassoki, and 22-year-old Usman Dar from Saroki. All had embarked on May 12 from Gujrat, eager to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Skardu.
For several days, their whereabouts remained unknown, prompting extensive search efforts. Their vehicle was ultimately found plunged deep into a ravine approximately 400 to 500 feet below the road. Rescue teams and local volunteers managed to recover three bodies trapped inside the wreckage, while the fourth was discovered by the riverbank nearby.
Usman Dar’s final message, sent on May 16 to his family, mentioned their next destination — marking the last known contact from the group before tragedy struck.
Salman Nasrullah had recently returned to Pakistan after spending nine years in Italy. Staying temporarily with his maternal uncle, he and his cousins had planned this journey across Pakistan to capture unforgettable moments amid Skardu’s scenic valleys. Their hopes for a joyful adventure ended abruptly in this fatal accident.
Expressing his anguish, Umar Ehsan’s father, Muhammad Ehsan, shared the pain of his loss. Despite initial hesitation, he had permitted his son to join the trip, knowing Umar aspired to become a chartered accountant. “I gave in to his insistence,” Ehsan lamented. “If only I had refused, maybe they would still be alive.”
Read More: 55,642 Pakistanis Reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj on 244 Flights
The tragedy also took a heavy toll on Ehsan’s family, as his nephew Salman and son-in-law Wasif were among the victims. Wasif’s two young daughters are now left without their father’s care, and his wife faces widowhood at a tender age.
According to traffic safety experts, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and stricter safety measures in mountainous areas like Skardu, where steep ravines and narrow roads pose constant risks to travelers.
Read More: King Salman Hosts 1,300 Pilgrims for Hajj 2025
As Pakistan continues to draw adventure seekers and tourists to its northern beauty spots, this Skardu road accident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers that accompany such journeys. Authorities and travelers alike must prioritize safety to prevent similar tragedies.
