Chaos on Karakoram: Protests and Floodwaters Paralyze Strategic Highway

The Karakoram Highway, a crucial link between Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was part-blocked by flash floods and a protest in Thor, causing chaos. Stranded passengers endured harsh conditions amid supply shortages. Tensions rose as demands went unmet, threatening the critical route’s reopening.

The Karakoram Highway (KKH), a vital artery connecting Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, faced significant disruptions on Monday. Flash floods compounded by a protest sit-in in Thor area of Diamer district forced a partial blockade, leaving hundreds of passengers and transporters stranded, according to The Nation.

Heavy floodwaters inundated several highway sections, and the protest brought traffic to a standstill. Passenger buses, private vehicles, and goods transporters were caught in long queues. Travellers, including women and children, endured delays under dire conditions, with shortages of essentials further exacerbating the situation.

The protest in Thor, provoked by a local incident and an ongoing security forces search operation, saw protesters continue their sit-in for the second day, unwavering until their demands were met. As security tightened at entry and exit points, tensions flared, adding uncertainty to the region. The prolonged closure has sparked anger among commuters over the lack of timely updates, while traders express concern about the impact on essential goods supply.