KKH blocked by floods, Diamer protest

Hundreds stranded amid intense heat

SHANGLA:

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) has been partially closed due to flash floods and ongoing protest demonstrations, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and passengers facing severe hardships.

A sit-in protest continues at the Thor area in the Diamer district, where demonstrators have completely blocked the highway for all types of traffic. The protest is against a recent incident and a security forces' search operation in the region.

As a result of the blockade, hundreds of small and large vehicles, passenger coaches, and cargo trucks remain trapped on both sides of the highway. The situation has been worsened by intense heat and a lack of basic facilities, adding to the misery of stranded passengers.

Local residents said that security forces are conducting a search operation in the area, during which strict monitoring has been imposed on entry and exit points. The situation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty in the region.

The closure has caused immense difficulties for travelers moving between Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Many vehicles carry women, children, and elderly people who are suffering due to the extreme heat and long waiting hours.

Passengers have appealed to the administration to make immediate alternative arrangements to facilitate stranded individuals.

On the other hand, the district administration and relevant authorities have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel given the current situation. Officials have advised citizens not to pay heed to rumors and to rely only on information issued through official and credible sources.

Talks are underway between the district administration and local elders to normalize the situation through negotiations and restore the highway for traffic.