Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Alert: Major Road Access Restored After Heavy Rains
Tourists Rejoice: Karakoram Highway and Gilgit-Baltistan Roads Fully Restored After Devastating Rains
July 31, 2025 — Pakistan
In a major relief for travelers and tourists, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has successfully restored road connectivity across northern Pakistan, including the vital Karakoram Highway (KKH) and key routes in Gilgit-Baltistan, following significant damage caused by recent torrential rains.
According to an official statement released on Wednesday, emergency restoration work was launched immediately using all available resources to ensure smooth and uninterrupted traffic across the affected regions.
Federal Secretary for Communications, Ali Sher Mehsud, personally reviewed the restoration efforts by driving along the strategic routes from Chilas and Mansehra to Babusar Top and Khunjerab Pass, eventually reaching Skardu via the 144-kilometre Jaglot-Skardu Highway.
In a video message shared with the public, Mehsud assured travelers that the roads are now fully operational and safe, with traffic flowing smoothly in both directions.
He praised the NHA teams for completing the massive repair operation in record time, despite the challenging weather conditions and widespread destruction. Their around-the-clock dedication, he said, was instrumental in achieving this milestone. A comprehensive report on the restoration has been submitted to Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan.
Mehsud also highlighted the importance of a well-coordinated response under clear directives from the Minister, which played a key role in managing the crisis efficiently and ensuring swift results. He added that efforts are now focused on long-term infrastructure upgrades to improve road safety and resilience against future disasters.
Meanwhile, over 90% of the rehabilitation work had already been completed two days earlier. Major link roads, including the crucial N-15 route passing through Kaghan and Naran, have also been reopened for public traffic, marking a full return to normalcy in the region’s transportation network.
