ISLAMABAD: Due to the rising water level in the Hunza River, a portion of the Karakoram Highway in the Morkhoon area has been washed away, leading to the complete suspension of traffic on the Sost–Gulmit section.
According to police sources, the closure of the highway has severed the land connection between Pakistan and China, halting all vehicular movement across the route.
Additionally, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have cut off several upper Gojal villages from other regions, further worsening the situation.
Authorities said the river erosion has increased due to the rapid melting of glaciers, which has severely damaged the highway at historical and gurus locations.
Spokesman Gilgit -Baltistan government said Chief Minister GB has issued orders to complete the restoration of the Karakoram highway.
Meanwhile, the Gilgit-Shandur Road has remained closed for the past 12 days at Khaltikhutm due to river erosion. As a result, upper areas of Tehsil Phandar and Gupis remain cut off from the rest of the region.
The ongoing blockade has led to a shortage of food and essential supplies, causing severe hardship for local residents.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sher Afzal stated that restoration work on the road has been ongoing for the past three days. He explained that the entire mountain has to be cut through to reopen the road, which may take considerable time.
He further added that efforts are being made to deliver food and medicines to the affected areas via Upper Chitral.
