GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Heavy Snowfall at Khunjerab Pass has disrupted traffic along the Pakistan-China border, leaving tourists, passengers, and cargo vehicles stranded.
The severe weather has affected movement on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), an important trade route connecting Pakistan and China.
According to local reports, dozens of cargo containers became stranded as snow and ice covered the highway.
Several vehicles also skidded on the slippery road, raising serious concerns about passenger safety.
Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Naiknaam Karim was among the passengers affected by the road disruption.
Heavy Snowfall Causes Traffic Disruption at Khunjerab Pass
According to Gilgit-Baltistan Police, snowfall continued at Khunjerab Top on Friday, making road conditions dangerous.
The accumulation of snow and ice made it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
Several cargo containers reportedly skidded while attempting to travel along the affected highway.
Three container drivers were rescued safely following incidents involving their vehicles.
In another incident, a Chinese cargo container overturned after losing control on the snow-covered road.
Local travellers and police personnel immediately assisted the driver and brought him to safety.
Fortunately, the driver escaped without injuries.
The incidents highlighted the dangers of travelling through high-altitude areas during severe winter weather.
GB Tourism Minister Among Stranded Passengers
Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Naiknaam Karim was also stranded due to the worsening road conditions.
In a video message, the minister expressed concern over the lack of snow-clearing arrangements on the Pakistani side.
He said the Chinese side of the border had already been cleared of snow.
However, approximately four inches of snow and ice remained on the Pakistani side of the highway.
The minister said several vehicles had skidded because of the slippery road surface.
He urged the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to immediately deploy machinery for snow removal.
According to Karim, urgent clearance operations were necessary to prevent further accidents and restore safe traffic movement.
Stranded Passengers Criticize Road Clearance Delays
Passengers stranded near Khunjerab Pass expressed frustration over delays in clearing the highway.
Several travellers criticized the authorities for failing to remove accumulated snow despite deteriorating weather conditions.
The road blockage also affected commercial vehicles transporting goods between Pakistan and China.
Dozens of cargo containers remained stranded along the Karakoram Highway following the snowfall.
The situation created difficulties for drivers and passengers waiting for safer road conditions.
The available reports did not confirm when normal traffic movement would resume.
GB Police Issue Travel Advisory for Tourists
Following the Heavy Snowfall, Gilgit-Baltistan Police advised tourists and motorists to avoid unnecessary travel toward Khunjerab Pass.
Officials warned that slippery roads and continuing snowfall could increase the risk of traffic accidents.
Travellers were encouraged to check road conditions before beginning their journeys.
Police also advised motorists to contact the emergency helpline at 15 for updated information about road accessibility.
The advisory aims to reduce unnecessary travel and prevent further incidents during the ongoing weather conditions.
Snowfall Affects Pakistan-China Trade Route
Khunjerab Pass is an important crossing point along the Pakistan-China border.
The Karakoram Highway supports cross-border trade, tourism, and transportation between the two countries.
Winter weather frequently creates challenging driving conditions in the mountainous region.
Snow accumulation and icy roads can make travel particularly difficult for heavy vehicles and cargo containers.
The latest disruption has affected both commercial transportation and passenger movement.
Authorities have been urged to improve road clearance arrangements to ensure safer travel during snowfall.
In other news read more about Major Landslide Blocks Kaghan Highway Near Paras, Leaving Tourists Stranded
For now, motorists are advised to follow official updates and avoid travelling toward affected sections until conditions improve.
