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ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):The road network across the northern areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan and the Karakoram Highway (KKH) has been fully restored following extensive damage caused by recent heavy rainfall.
The National Highway Authority (NHA), under emergency directives, mobilized all available resources to swiftly complete restoration work ensuring full resumption of traffic, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
Federal Secretary for Communications Ali Sher Mehsud himself drove car through Chilas, Mansehra, Babusar Top and all the way to Khunjerab Pass demonstrating road safety and accessibility. He also drove vehical till skardu, jaglot Highway of 144 killomeeter long where he demonstrated that traffic is passing on both sides.
In his video message, he assured tourists from across the country that they can now travel to these regions without any fear or hindrance. The NHA has formally submitted a comprehensive report on the completed restoration work to Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.
Federal Secretary for Communications highlighted that the operation was highly challenging due to the severity of the damage. However, through the dedication and bravery of NHA officers and staff, the task was completed in record time ensuring traffic flow resumed promptly.
Ali Sher Mehsud further stated that acting on the directives of Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan a well-coordinated strategy and effective teamwork made this seemingly impossible mission achievable. He added that NHA continues to work on additional safety measures and further road improvements to ensure long-term resilience.
Notably, over 90% of the rehabilitation work in the northern areas had already been completed two days before and traffic on connecting roads including N-15 through Kaghan and Naran had been reopened. Meanwhile, NHA Chairman Shehryar Sultan visited Azad Kashmir on the instructions of the Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan where he reviewed landslide clearance operations from Kohala Bridge to Muzaffarabad Road. Overall, the National Highway Authority has demonstrated exceptional dedication and efficiency during this natural calamity, helping to restore public confidence and encouraging the return of tourism to the Northern Regions.