Recent heavy rains have triggered severe landslides, leading to the closure of the Kohistan-Gilgit section of the Karakoram Highway. Debris from the landslides, particularly near the Doga bridge near Barsin, has rendered the road impassable since Sunday, disrupting land connectivity between Gilgit and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and impacting travel and trade in the region.
Despite efforts to clear the highway using dispatched machinery, clearance work has been impeded by unfavorable weather conditions. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tourism authority has issued alerts to tourists, acknowledging the hundreds stranded in Kohistan and Diamer, and assuring prompt clearance operations once weather conditions improve. Additionally, the National Highway Authority has warned of landslide risks along the Karakoram Highway due to heavy rains, urging caution and advising against travel on the affected route. Collaboration between the NHA, FWO, and local administrations is underway to mitigate the situation, while the KP Tourism Authority continues to monitor developments and provide updates to ensure the safety of travelers.