Traffic on the Karakoram Highway has been restored after landslides triggered by heavy rain and snowfall blocked the key route linking Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan. Reports said the highway, which had been shut at multiple points between Diamer and Kohistan, reopened on Wednesday at around 4 pm after clearance work removed mud, rocks, and debris from the road.
The disruption followed a spell of severe weather across the northern region, where continuous rain and snowfall caused landslides at several locations and stranded travelers on one of Pakistan’s most important mountain corridors. Local officials said the blockages affected both passenger and cargo movement, cutting road access and creating long queues of vehicles along the route.
Authorities moved in with heavy machinery to clear the affected sections, and temporary restoration allowed traffic to resume once debris was removed. Even so, officials remained cautious, warning that more landslides could occur if wet weather continues in the area.
The Karakoram Highway is a vital lifeline for Gilgit-Baltistan, connecting the region not only with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the rest of Pakistan but also with China. Because of that, even short closures can disrupt travel, trade and supply lines, especially in bad weather when alternative routes are limited or unsafe.
Recent reporting also highlighted the hardship for stranded passengers during the closure. In one account, district officials said dozens of affected travelers had to be shifted to temporary shelter while rescue and repair operations continued.
For now, traffic is moving again, but the situation remains fragile. With heavy rainfall still affecting parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and nearby mountain districts, authorities are urging travelers to stay updated on road conditions before setting out.
