NHA Advises Commuters to Use Karakoram Highway Over Babusar Route

ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The National Highway Authority (NHA) has issued an urgent travel advisory today, August 04, 2026, regarding significant traffic disruptions affecting critical northern routes in Pakistan. Due to severe flash flooding at the Thak location along the Babusar Highway, the route has been completely closed to all vehicular traffic at Zero Point. In light of the current safety hazards, the district administration and the NHA have strongly advised all passengers and tourists to avoid the Babusar corridor entirely and instead utilize the Karakoram Highway as an alternative transit route.
Traffic Congestion and Operational Challenges on Karakoram Highway
Concurrently, traffic movement on the Karakoram Highway has faced temporary obstructions near Shang Nullah, in close proximity to Gonar Farm. The bottleneck occurred after a heavy freight truck overturned, effectively blocking the thoroughfare. To manage the subsequent buildup of vehicles and ensure public safety, local authorities have implemented an immediate halt to further vehicular entry at the Gonar Farm Check Post. While authorities prioritize better governance and sustainable development in transit infrastructure, such incidents emphasize the need for caution.
Emergency Response and Restoration Efforts
Personnel from the NHA, in coordination with the Diamer district administration and dedicated emergency rescue teams, are currently deployed at the site. Equipped with heavy machinery, the teams are working to clear the overturned vehicle and restore traffic flow as a matter of priority. Similar to the administrative efforts required to streamline organizational efficiency, the NHA is working under pressure to minimize delays for travelers. All commuters are strictly requested to refrain from unnecessary travel along these routes until the highways are officially cleared and to adhere strictly to instructions provided by the local administration and digital monitoring services where applicable.