Hamid Mir Advises Cautiousness: The Floody Northern Areas Are Not Safe for Travel
Popular Pakistani talk show host and journalist Hamid Mir has made a strong and emotional appeal to the people, urging them not to travel to the northern parts of Pakistan in the wake of increasing fears of heavy flooding. The advice comes during the peak of the monsoon season, a period when thousands of local tourists usually throng places like Swat, Murree, Kaghan, Hunza, and Skardu.
The warning was shared via Hamid Mir’s official account on **X (formerly Twitter)** on July 22, 2025, and has since gained significant attention from concerned citizens, weather experts, and local authorities alike.
“Tourism Can Wait—Lives Cannot Be Replaced”
Hamid Mir, whose powerful voice and intimate knowledge of national issues have long made him a source of authority, stressed that this is not the moment for recreational visits to the mountains. “Tourism can wait lives cannot be replaced,” his tweet in effect said, highlighting the seriousness of placing safety above adventure.
As more variable rain patterns occur, landslides, flash floods, and mudflows become more frequent, the admonition isn’t merely avoiding inconvenience it’s a matter of life and death.
Climate Change and Growing Risk of Natural Disasters
Pakistan is already suffering from climate change, and the northern region is most exposed because of its topography. Heavy rains have already resulted in low-lying valley flooding, swept away roads, and cut off villages. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reported that rainfall during July 2025 has been very much in excess, and additional spells of rain are anticipated until August.
Against these disturbing advances, experts and regional authorities are on the lookout, and tourists and domestic travelers are advised to beware and reroute.
A Tradition Interrupted—but for Good Reason
For most Pakistanis, a summer trip to the northern territories is an annual pilgrimage a chance to get away from the heat and wallow in the natural splendor of the nation. But as Hamid Mir reminds the public wisely, this time it’s different. The cost of disregarding the advice of experts may prove to be tragic.
Sadly, such warnings were disregarded in the case of the 2022 floods, which cost more than 1,700 lives and displaced millions. It’s a bitter reminder that still haunts the country and something Hamid Mir is trying to avoid seeing happen again.
Responsible Tourism Means Knowing When Not to Go
In his blog post, Mir used subtle persuasion to encourage the public to exercise responsible tourism an activity that entails realizing one’s environmental footprint. Responsible tourism is also putting into perspective when it is best not to go. He commended locals who are struggling to rebuild infrastructure and safeguard lives and said that imposing tourism strain at this time would only add undue burden.
Listen to the Warning—Safety Above All
Hamid Mir’s warning is a wake-up call, not to be taken lightly. While the northern regions may be picturesque, no view is more beautiful than the life of a loved one or your own life. His message is not to discourage people from tourism, but to delay it until it is safe.
For the time being, keeping up with official weather reports, emergency warnings, and reliable news outlets is essential. Travelers must honor all advisories and minimize movement in flood-risk zones.
Visit Pakistan Updates daily for travel safety news, weather warnings, and national updates.
