Karakoram Highway road closures worry Hunza tourism sector

Hunza – In a fresh wave of concern from the tourism sector, the Hunza Hotel Association has urged the Gilgit-Baltistan government to step in and end the recurring closures of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) caused by protests.

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Speaking on behalf of hotel owners, tour operators, drivers, guides, retailers, and countless other businesses across Hunza, Nagar, and the broader region, the association warned that these blockades are strangling the area's main economic engine. They pointed to last year's repeated disruptions, which inflicted heavy financial blows and left hundreds of families struggling to make ends meet.

With tourism forming the very foundation of livelihoods in Gilgit-Baltistan—supporting millions through direct and ripple effects—the group stressed that any repeat during the peak season could trigger devastating job losses and stall the region's hard-won economic momentum.

The iconic Karakoram Highway, essential for linking the valleys to the rest of Pakistan and enabling cross-border access to China at Khunjerab Pass, has become a frequent flashpoint. Protests over trade rules, electricity shortages, customs issues, and infrastructure delays have led to lengthy sit-ins and closures, stranding tourists, cutting visitor numbers, and hammering local commerce in scenic hubs like Hunza.

The association is pressing for a firm, transparent government strategy—backed by real enforcement—to keep major routes open even during demonstrations, ensuring safe and seamless travel that protects both the right to protest and the fragile tourism economy.

"Hope rests with prompt, thoughtful intervention from the authorities to secure jobs, sustain peace, and keep Gilgit-Baltistan's breathtaking allure shining for visitors from around the globe," the statement from the president and members concluded.