On July 26, 2025, the Karakoram Highway (KKH) reopened in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) after being closed due to flash floods caused by climate-driven glacial melts and cloudbursts. These floods resulted in nine fatalities, damaged more than 500 homes, and stranded numerous tourists. Rescue operations, supported by the Pakistan Army and free evacuation flights, are still ongoing.
GB spokesperson Faizullah Faraq announced, “The Karakoram Highway is now open for all traffic.” The highway had been blocked by landslides on July 25 but was cleared using heavy machinery. Faraq also mentioned that ongoing rescue efforts in the Babusar Valley are being hindered by continuous landslides, as 10 to 12 tourists remain missing.
Since Monday, floods have devastated parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the districts of Kunduz and Ghanche. These floods have destroyed homes, roads, crops, and infrastructure. Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza stated that the primary causes of these incidents were melting glaciers and cloudbursts. The extreme weather has resulted in nine fatalities and over 500 homes being damaged. This highlights the region’s vulnerability to climate change, with 12 kilometres of roads and 26 bridges lost as a result of the flooding.
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The Pakistan Army, GB Scouts, Rescue 1122, and volunteers lead operations. Four tourists were airlifted from Fairy Meadows on July 25 via army helicopters. Free C-130 flights evacuated 135 people, including 80 tourists, from Skardu to Islamabad, with more planned from Gilgit. Faraq said, “Hundreds of tents, food packets, and medicines are distributed.”
Gilgit-Baltistan Government Response and Alerts
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan will address flood rehabilitation in a press conference today. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued landslide alerts, urging caution in mountainous areas. Mirza emphasised: “The GB government is effectively dealing with the situation.”
The crisis underscores the urgent need for climate action and emphasises the importance of sustainable infrastructure. According to Mirza, over 1,000 stranded tourists were successfully evacuated. The reopening of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) supports flood recovery efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), but challenges related to ongoing rescues and climate issues persist. Both government and community initiatives are focused on restoring stability.
