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- Jan 25, 2024
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NHA declared Karakoram Highway all- weather route between China and Pakistan
By Tahir AliISLAMABAD - The National Highway Authority (NHA) on Thursday declared the Karakoram Highway (KKH) an all-weather route connecting China and Pakistan.
The 806 km long KKH, which crosses challenging mountain terrain and faces harsh weather conditions and natural disasters, is the sole link between Pakistan and China through Khunjerab Pass. An official notification states, "In the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, it has been decided to ensure year-around operational status for this road."
Due to its high altitude and heavy snowfall, KKH between Sust and Khunjerab (86 km) typically becomes impassable for all traffic during the winter season from December to April each year. The notification further mentions that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has already been deployed on KKH for routine maintenance under an annual maintenance contract.
An agreement between NHA and FWO has been reached to keep KKH open during the winter season between Sust and Khunjerab to all types of traffic. It is anticipated that KKH will remain accessible during the 2023-24 winter season for cross-order traffic.
Therefore, preparations will be necessary to facilitate international transit trade and passenger movement at border crossing points.