Chilas, July 21, 2025: The Karakorum Highway was closed on Monday following severe flooding and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains in the Diamer district.
The Babusar-Naran highway was also shut down as officials grapple with flash floods and road blockages caused by landslides in the mountainous region.
Read more: Heavy rain in Saidpur, Islamabad, worsens flooding
Heavy monsoon rains also triggered flash floods and landslides near Thik village, further blocking the Chilas-Jalkhad road.
Rescue teams and local police are actively engaged in clearing debris and providing assistance to those affected by the sudden climate-related disasters.
Amid ongoing relief efforts, authorities confirmed the recovery of one body linked to the floods, while damage to houses and properties continues to mount.
The latest closures are part of a border pattern of unusually intense rainfall across northern Pakistan and Punjab during the current monsoon season. Flash floods and landslides have become recurring disasters, putting key infrastructure such as the Karakoram Highway at risk.
Officials have advised travelers to avoid the impacted routes until safety can be guaranteed. While the emergency response unit work to restore accessibility and support flood-affected regions.
Read more: Heavy Rain Returns: Are Twin Cities at Risk Again?
The Karakoram Highway is an important trade and travel route that connects northern Pakistan with China. The disruption of such key routes will not only impact trade and supply routes, but also highlight the logistical complications arising from the now-regular annual flooding in Pakistan.
