Heavy Snowfall Strands Tourists at Khunjerab Pass; Minister Calls for Immediate Snow Clearing

Heavy snowfall at Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border has disrupted traffic on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), leaving tourists, passengers, and dozens of cargo containers stranded, according to local authorities.

Several vehicles skidded on the snow-covered road, including three containers whose drivers were rescued safely. A Chinese cargo container also overturned after skidding, but the driver escaped unharmed after being rescued by local travelers and police personnel.

Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Naiknaam Karim was among the stranded passengers. In a video message, he said the Chinese side of the border had been cleared of snow, while the Pakistani side remained covered with approximately four inches of snow and ice. He urged the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to immediately deploy snow-clearing machinery to prevent further accidents.

Stranded passengers criticized the authorities for failing to clear the road despite worsening weather conditions. GB police have advised tourists and motorists to avoid unnecessary travel toward Khunjerab until conditions improve and to contact the police helpline at 15 for road updates.

The Karakoram Highway is a vital trade and tourism route, and the disruption highlights the challenges of maintaining access during harsh winter weather. Authorities have not yet announced when the road is expected to be fully cleared.