Landslides and Sit-In Shut Karakoram Highway as Crews Race to Reopen

Overview

• Clearance teams are working round the clock and officials said the route may reopen this evening, though several stretches remain blocked.
• Following Tuesday’s torrential rain, landslides and flash floods from Besham to Pattan buried parts of the road at Jijal, Pattan, Gloos Banda and multiple mountain streams.
• A sit-in at Thor in Diamer, triggered by a recent incident and a security search, continues to close one section as officials negotiate with local elders.
• Local residents are housing stranded families in hujras and providing meals and water, and officials report no fatalities despite some vehicles being hit by debris.
• FWO and NHA have deployed heavy machinery, including FWO’s 142 RMB unit, but persistent rain is slowing work and traders warn a longer shutdown could squeeze essential supplies to the north.