The lifeline connecting Pakistan and China, the Karakoram Highway, has hit a roadblock, leaving travelers stranded in the rugged terrain. The 1,300-kilometre artery, stretching from Hasan Abdal in Punjab to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, is currently impassable at Bhasha in the Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hazara Division.
Stranded Travelers
The abrupt closure has affected a diverse group of travelers, including the elderly, children, and women, all halted mid-journey. Additionally, a substantial number of vehicles are immobilized, forming a queue in the hundreds due to the highway shutdown.
Cause of Closure
Authorities attribute the closure to ongoing rehabilitation efforts on the highway. The Karakoram Highway, a vital link between Pakistan and China, is undergoing renovations, leading to this temporary inconvenience.
Weather and Landslides Woes
Compounding the situation, inclement weather and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan rendered several sections of the highway impassable earlier in the week. Authorities caution against travel until conditions improve, and the roads are deemed safe for traffic.
National Thoroughfare in Suspension
Essentially, the Karakoram Highway, crucial for national connectivity, is currently in a state of suspension. Travelers find themselves in limbo, and vehicles are at a standstill. As rehabilitation work progresses, all eyes are on the authorities for swift action to restore this vital link between Pakistan and China.
