Gilgit-Baltistan roads reopened after flood damage review
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan inspected flood-hit areas and praised swift road restoration in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Minister reviews flood damage
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan visited Gilgit-Baltistan to assess the destruction caused by flash floods and ongoing rehabilitation of roads and bridges. He traveled to the damaged Satak Bridge after a four-hour journey from Gilgit and reviewed reconstruction work alongside senior officials.
During the inspection, he issued immediate instructions and expressed satisfaction over the reopening of traffic in record time. Khan directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to channel mountain water beneath roads instead of over them to protect infrastructure and travelers from future flood hazards.
Joint efforts on highways
According to the minister, the NHA and the Frontier Works Organization worked “on a war footing” to restore connectivity. Key routes, including Skardu and its surrounding areas, were reopened within days, although repair work on several bridges is still in progress.
Khan said that the heavy rains and flash floods on August 15 caused severe damage to lives, property, and the communications system. He credited NHA teams for their round-the-clock efforts in restoring vital roads across the region.
Coordination with provincial government
The minister assured residents that the Federal Ministry of Communications is working in coordination with the Gilgit-Baltistan government to fully restore transportation links. “In Sha Allah, the difficulties faced by the public in transportation will be resolved soon,” he said, while expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and property in the northern areas.
Road network update
During a briefing, senior NHA officials told the minister that the Jaglot–Skardu Road had been severely damaged but has now been reopened to traffic. Rehabilitation efforts continue at locations where bridges were destroyed.
Khan also met with local citizens at multiple points, conveyed his sympathies, and expressed best wishes for those affected.
