Heavy snowfall at Khunjerab Pass has disrupted traffic along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), leaving a large number of passengers, tourists and cargo vehicles stranded on the Pakistan-China border.
The snowfall continued on Friday, November 13, making the highway slippery and dangerous for motorists. Several vehicles and dozens of cargo containers carrying imported goods from China remained stranded for hours, according to local reports.
The difficult conditions have also raised concerns about the safety of travellers at the high-altitude mountain pass, where the risk of oxygen shortage and exposure to extreme cold can create additional challenges.
Snow and ice make Karakoram Highway hazardous
Heavy snowfall continued from Dhee Headquarters to Khunjerab Top, covering sections of the highway with snow and ice.
Gilgit-Baltistan police warned that accumulated snow had made the road dangerous for travel and advised tourists and passengers to avoid unnecessary journeys towards Khunjerab until weather and road conditions improved.
Three cargo containers reportedly skidded off the Karakoram Highway after the road became slippery. Their drivers were rescued.
A Chinese container truck also overturned after losing control on the snow-covered road. Local travellers and Khunjerab Security Police personnel took part in the rescue operation and safely recovered its driver, who remained unhurt.
Tourism minister among stranded passengers
Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Tourism Naiknaam Karim was also among the passengers stranded at Khunjerab Pass.
In a video message, he said snowfall had affected both sides of the border. However, the road on the Chinese side had been cleared for traffic, while the Pakistani side remained covered with snow and ice.
Karim said approximately four inches of snow had accumulated on the road at Khunjerab Top, causing several vehicles, including two to three cars, to skid.
He expressed concern over the lack of snow-clearing facilities and machinery on the Pakistani side and urged the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to immediately deploy equipment to clear the highway and prevent further accidents.
High altitude raises concerns over passenger safety
Khunjerab Pass is situated at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet, making prolonged exposure to its harsh weather conditions particularly difficult for stranded travellers.
At this altitude, reduced oxygen availability can cause breathing difficulties and increase the risk of altitude-related illness. Low temperatures and prolonged delays can further increase the health risks for passengers.
Travellers stranded in the area have expressed concerns about the lack of facilities and emergency assistance while waiting for the road to become accessible.
The situation has increased calls for authorities to provide immediate support, including medical assistance, food, shelter and other essential supplies where needed.
Snowfall and landslides disrupt other roads in Gilgit-Baltistan
The latest snowfall and rainfall have also affected several other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to Dawn, the Ghizer-Shandur Road was completely blocked following a landslide at Hopper Pari after heavy rain on Thursday night.
Earlier, heavy snowfall had also disrupted transport in upper areas of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar and other districts. The Babusar Pass and Shimshal Valley roads were among the routes affected by snowfall and landslides.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued a weather advisory on November 10, forecasting rain and snowfall across Gilgit-Baltistan and other northern areas through November 14.
The authority advised travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys during heavy snowfall, follow official road updates and carry essential supplies when travelling through mountainous regions.
Calls for urgent snow clearance and emergency assistance
The situation at Khunjerab Pass has highlighted the need for a coordinated response from the relevant authorities to protect stranded passengers and restore safe traffic movement.
The immediate priorities include deploying snow-clearing machinery, providing emergency assistance and ensuring that rescue teams remain available for motorists facing difficulties.
Authorities have advised travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys towards Khunjerab and contact the Gilgit-Baltistan police helpline at 15 before setting out to obtain updated information about road conditions.
The NDMA has also advised people stranded because of snowfall or road closures to remain inside their vehicles, keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and operate heaters intermittently with adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The safe movement of passengers and restoration of traffic along the Karakoram Highway will depend on improving weather conditions and effective snow-clearance operations.
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