GILGIT: Traffic on the Karakoram Highway was restored on Sunday after a landslide temporarily blocked the key route, while several other roads in Gilgit-Baltistan remained inaccessible due to ongoing heavy rainfall.
Authorities said the highway had been closed late Saturday night following a landslide near the Lachi area in Kohistan. After clearance operations, light traffic resumed nearly 20 hours later, easing movement for stranded travellers.
Thousands of passengers travelling to and from Gilgit-Baltistan faced significant delays during the closure, officials added.
However, disruptions persist in other parts of the region. The road to Astore Valley remains blocked, along with the Shounter Road, due to multiple landslides triggered by continuous rainfall.
Local authorities have urged residents and travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement as weather conditions remain unstable.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier forecast rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across northern areas from April 16 to 19, with chances of heavy downpours and hailstorms in isolated locations.
According to the department, a westerly weather system entered the northwestern parts of the country on April 16 and is expected to persist in upper regions through April 19.
The PMD has warned of potential landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas, including upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, advising local administrations to remain alert and take preventive measures.