Route connecting Pakistan’s northern regions with China, has been closed to all traffic

The Karakoram Highway (KKH), a key transport route connecting Pakistan’s northern regions with China, has been closed to all traffic after landslides and protest activity disrupted multiple sections of the road, leaving thousands of travellers stranded.

The closure occurred at several points along the highway in Gilgit-Baltistan, where recent weather conditions triggered landslides, while separate protests by supporters of a Pakistan Peoples Party candidate blocked sections of the road in Chilas at Zero Point and Batukot. The combined disruptions brought traffic to a halt, causing long queues and widespread travel delays.

Police declare blockade illegal

A spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan Police said the road blockades were unlawful and warned of strict action against those involved in disrupting traffic. The statement added that legal action would also be taken against facilitators of such activities.

Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and advised stranded passengers to remain at safe locations until the highway is reopened.

Travellers face long delays

Transporters, tourists, and local residents have expressed concern over repeated closures of the Karakoram Highway, saying disruptions have become frequent due to both natural hazards and protest-related blockages.

Passengers reported being stranded for extended periods, in some cases lasting 30 to 40 hours, while clearance operations are carried out. During such delays, access to food, water, and medical assistance remains limited, particularly affecting families and elderly travellers.

Stakeholders said the highway’s vulnerability to landslides, combined with sudden closures, continues to disrupt trade, tourism, and daily movement in northern Pakistan.

Calls for better monitoring system

Travellers and transport operators have called for a modern monitoring and emergency response system along the highway, including real-time landslide alerts, rescue facilities, and improved communication at key checkpoints.

They urged federal and Gilgit-Baltistan authorities, along with the National Highway Authority (NHA), to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure rapid response mechanisms to prevent prolonged disruptions.

The Karakoram Highway, often described as a strategic and scenic lifeline for the region, remains frequently affected by weather-related hazards and

infrastructure challenges, raising ongoing concerns about connectivity in the mountainous north.

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