A perilous route

Other than the costly air link, the Karakorum Highway (KKH) is the only means of transportation for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The highway has been blocked at several locations after incessant torrential rains triggered landslides and eroded land, leaving hundreds of passengers and vehicles stranded. The highway is in a very bad condition. The expansion and reconstruction of the KKH was one of the solemn pledges made by the PML-N during the 2013 election campaign. Unfortunately, the PML-N has failed to fulfil its pledge so far.

Despite a dire need of its reconstruction, the relevant authorities are not giving much attention to the situation with the result that tourism is gradually declining in the region, multiplying the grievances of people. Moreover, the number of accidents is increasing with each passing day. Owing to narrow passes and frequent blockades, passengers, particularly students and sick people, face a lot of hardships. Often, the highway remains block for more than a week due to which prices of commodities increase abruptly in GB. The authorities concerned are requested to look into the matter.

Sher A Shehzad

Islamabad