NHA Restores Karakoram Highway and Key Northern Routes After Rain-Induced Disruptions

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has successfully completed emergency road restoration operations across northern Pakistan, including the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and several crucial routes in Gilgit-Baltistan, following severe disruptions caused by recent heavy rainfall.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NHA reported that emergency response teams had been deployed with all available resources to restore road connectivity and ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic. The operation covered high-altitude and landslide-prone regions including Chilas, Mansehra, Babusar Top, Khunjerab Pass, and the Jaglot–Skardu Highway.

Federal Secretary Inspects Restoration Work

Federal Secretary for Communications, Ali Sher Mehsud, personally inspected the affected areas by driving through the restored routes. In a public video message, he reassured travelers that roads are now safe and fully operational, with smooth traffic flow in both directions.

Mehsud praised the round-the-clock efforts of NHA teams, noting that restoration was completed in record time, despite the scale of destruction. He emphasized the importance of a coordinated response driven by the leadership of Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.

Major Routes Reopened

Among the key roads now reopened are:

• Karakoram Highway (KKH)
• N-15 Route through Kaghan and Naran
• Jaglot–Skardu Highway (144 km)
• Passes including Babusar Top and Khunjerab Pass

Over 90% of the repair work was completed within days of the rainfall, demonstrating the NHA’s strong logistical capabilities and crisis management.

Ongoing Infrastructure Resilience Efforts

While emergency restoration has been completed, long-term safety measures and infrastructure reinforcement projects are underway to prevent future disruptions. Mehsud confirmed that a detailed report on the completed emergency works has been submitted to the Federal Minister for strategic follow-up and planning.

The swift restoration of the Karakoram Highway and other key roads ensures critical lifelines for tourism, trade, and local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and the northern areas. The NHA’s response serves as a model for efficient disaster recovery and sustainable infrastructure management.

Afsheen Gohar

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