In the wake of cloudburst-triggered floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer District, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has launched an extensive emergency operation to restore traffic flow along multiple sections of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which has been severely disrupted by debris and road blockages.

According to a spokesperson for the National Highway Authority (NHA), the operations are being carried out on the instructions of Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and under the direct supervision of NHA Chairman Sheheryar Sultan, who is personally overseeing the restoration efforts. Heavy rainfall in the region caused multiple closures along the Karakoram Highway.

In response, NHA teams were mobilized immediately and have remained active in the field day and night, using heavy machinery and expanding manpower to clear blocked routes, the spokesperson added. Significant progress has already been made, with traffic partially or fully restored at several critical points. Sections near Chilas Bazaar, Zero Point, Governor Farm, Passu and Jalkhad have now been reopened for traffic, including one-way passage in areas still under clearance operations. 

The Jalipur-Gundalo stretch has also been cleared for two-way traffic, along with sections in Thalichi and Chilas, where one-way flow has resumed. The process of road clearance was underway in Tatta Pani.  Additionally, the N-15 highway near Behsal and the Jaglot–Skardu Road have been fully cleared and reopened for two-way traffic, the spokesperson confirmed.  Operations are continuing in areas where road access remains blocked.

More equipment and workforce have been deployed to expedite the process, with efforts being closely monitored by a central control room at NHA Headquarters in Islamabad.  Despite persistent adverse weather conditions, NHA field teams remain fully active, aiming to open at least one side of each affected route as quickly as possible.

The authority reiterated that it will maintain operations round-the-clock until complete road access is restored across all affected regions.  The spokesperson further noted that coordination with the local administration in Diamer is ongoing to manage relief and logistics efficiently. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)