Karakoram Highway Blocked in Kohistan

Chilas — The Karakoram Highway (KKH), the vital link connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the rest of Pakistan, has been blocked at multiple points in Upper and Lower Kohistan due to landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall.

According to an official statement from Deputy Commissioner Diamer, Captain (Retd) Atta ur Rehman Kakar, debris from the landslides has rendered the road impassable. The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) will commence clearance operations early tomorrow morning once weather conditions improve.

DC Kakar has urged all districts, bus and taxi stands, transport associations, and relevant checkposts to inform passengers that travel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) toward Gilgit-Baltistan is temporarily restricted until the highway is fully restored.

He emphasized that providing immediate relief to any stranded travelers in Kohistan would not be feasible under the current circumstances.

The KKH frequently faces disruptions during the monsoon or rainy seasons due to its challenging mountainous terrain, with landslides and rockfalls commonly blocking sections in Kohistan, particularly around areas like Dasu, Lotar, and Bhasha.

 Similar closures have occurred in recent months, stranding hundreds of passengers, including families, women, children, and elderly individuals.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and advising travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys along the route, check official updates from the District Administration Diamer, local police, or FWO, and postpone trips until clearance is confirmed.

 Motorists heading north are encouraged to use alternative routes if available or wait for official announcements regarding reopening.

This advisory aims to prevent further stranding and ensure passenger safety amid unpredictable weather in the northern regions. Updates on road status will be shared as clearance progresses.