One-way traffic resumes after Babusar Highway partially reopened

The Babusar Highway was partially reopened for one-way traffic on Monday as the search for missing individuals continued.

The route was closed last week due to a cloudburst, causing flash floods in the Diamir district. 

On July 21, the Diamir district of Gilgit Baltistan had witnessed severe impacts of climate change, after floods swept across Gilgit Baltistan, triggering landslides, breaking the thoroughfare at the Babusar pass, linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Gilgit Baltistan. 

The natural disaster-related incident left several, including foreign and local tourists, stranded, damaged over 500 houses, roads and other infrastructure. However, apart from casualties, at least 10 individuals died, and four were seriously injured.

Recently, the GB government’s spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said, “The Babusar-Naran Highway has been reopened for one-way traffic.”

Read: Two mosques washed away in Babusar floods

He noted that the thoroughfare was reopened after a week-long effort by using heavy machinery, while the complete restoration will take time.

Advising passengers to be cautious about unnecessary travel, Faraq said: “Several families, including five members of a TV anchor’s family, have contacted the government about the missing people and appealed for help in the search.” 

The wallet of the victim, anchor Shabana Liaquat, carrying her and her child’s student cards, was found among the flood debris.

The spokesperson acknowledged that missing individuals had not been found so far in a week-long operation. To intensify the rescue operation, the provincial government has sought “the help of Pakistan Army’s sniffer dogs to search those buried under the rubble,” the spokesperson said.

Read: All tourists stranded at Babusar Top rescued: GB govt

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has initiated road restoration operations in northern areas, following directives from Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. The key highways affected by landslides and cloudbursts included Mansehra-Naran's Jalkhad (N-15), Skardu, and Jaglot Road.

The NHA has made progress in clearing obstructions, allowing for partial restoration of traffic and improved accessibility for travellers. 

The minister emphasised the importance of the N-15 route for tourism and regional connectivity. Restoration work is ongoing, with efforts to clear landslides and debris from Naran to Babusar Top and Chilas.