FWO keeps Pakistan–China trade link open via KKH amid winter

FWO – The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has cleared the Karakoram Highway at Khunjerab Top, the highest crossing on the Pakistan-China border, despite freezing temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius, ensuring smooth trade movement between the two countries.

According to 24NewsHD TV, Khunjerab Top, situated at 15,397 feet above sea level, regularly experiences severe winter weather that disrupts traffic and commercial activity.

Despite these harsh conditions, FWO personnel continued round-the-clock snow-clearing operations, deploying heavy machinery to keep this crucial trade route open for all vehicles.

Officials said that despite severe weather, snow was removed in a timely manner to maintain the smooth flow of vehicles, reflecting the organisation’s professional expertise and operational preparedness.

The continuous clearance of the Karakoram Highway has provided significant relief to commuters and traders while safeguarding year-round trade links between Pakistan and China.

Maintaining this challenging mountain route in extreme cold conditions is being viewed as a testament to FWO’s dedication, endurance and national commitment.

Observers note that the uninterrupted operation of the highway plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral trade and regional connectivity.

Established in 1966 by the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, the FWO was created to undertake the construction of the 805-kilometre-long Karakoram Highway.

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Funded by the Ministry of Communications, the project was later completed in collaboration with Chinese military engineers and remains one of the most significant engineering achievements in the region.

Over the decades, FWO has emerged as a key national institution, credited with constructing major roads, bridges, tunnels, airfields and dams across the country, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s infrastructure development and strategic connectivity.