A powerful and unexpected hailstorm struck Islamabad and various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on April 16, 2025, causing widespread disruption and property damage. The sudden storm brought with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large hailstones, leading to chaos in urban and rural areas alike.
In Islamabad, the hailstorm damaged dozens of vehicles, particularly in sectors F-6, G-9, and H-11, where hailstones shattered windshields and dented car bodies. Commuters were forced to pull over or seek shelter as visibility dropped and roads flooded within minutes.
Several trees were uprooted due to the strong winds accompanying the storm, blocking main roads and further complicating the traffic situation. Emergency response teams from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) were dispatched to clear the debris and restore mobility.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Peshawar, Swabi, and Charsadda reported significant impact. Power outages were recorded in multiple regions as electricity lines snapped due to falling branches and flying debris.
Local residents shared videos and images of the hailstorm on social media, with some describing it as one of the most intense in recent years. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) stated that such severe weather events are increasingly likely due to changing climate patterns and warned of further rainfall in the coming days.
Authorities have advised the public to stay indoors during severe weather alerts and avoid parking vehicles under trees or in open spaces to minimize damage.
