A major landslide has blocked the Karakoram Highway at Patan Dak, leaving hundreds of tourists and travelers stranded as severe traffic congestion continues in the area. The blockage has brought movement on one of Pakistan’s most important highways to a standstill, disrupting travel for passengers heading to and from Gilgit-Baltistan.
The closure has also interrupted the vital land route connecting Pakistan with China. A large number of tourists visiting the Pak-China border for sightseeing and recreation have been affected, while commercial transport has also been forced to halt due to the blocked highway.
According to local police officials, vehicles traveling from different parts of the country towards Gilgit-Baltistan have been stopped before reaching the affected section. Authorities said many passengers remain stranded on the route as efforts continue to assess the situation and restore traffic.
With traffic at a complete standstill, some travelers have reportedly begun clearing small sections of the road themselves to create enough space for smaller vehicles to pass. However, larger vehicles, including buses and cargo trucks, remain unable to move through the landslide-hit area.
The disruption has particularly affected vulnerable passengers, including children, elderly people, women, and students. Long queues of cargo trucks have formed on both sides of the highway, raising concerns about delays in the transportation of goods between Pakistan and China.
The Karakoram Highway is one of the country’s most significant transport corridors, serving both tourism and international trade. Authorities are expected to continue clearance operations to reopen the road as soon as conditions permit, while travelers have been advised to stay updated on the latest traffic situation before beginning their journeys.
Also read: No Casualties Reported in Gilgit-Baltistan Landslide
