Aleem Khan Orders Immediate Restoration of Roads in KPK & Gilgit-Baltistan

Islamabad (News Desk) – In the wake of recent heavy monsoon rains and devastating landslides in the northern regions, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has issued urgent directives to the National Highway Authority (NHA) to immediately begin restoration of damaged road infrastructure across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

Chairing a high-level meeting, the Minister instructed the Federal Secretary Communications and Chairman NHA to personally visit the affected areas and supervise relief and rehabilitation efforts on ground. Emphasizing the severity of the damage, he directed the NHA to mobilize all available resources, including manpower and heavy machinery from Punjab and Sindh, to speed up road clearance and repair operations.

Read more: Unprecedented floods in Buner kills 78 as rescue efforts continue

“The road network in the northern areas has suffered extensive damage. NHA must not waste a single minute and start work immediately to provide relief to travelers and restore normal traffic,” said Abdul Aleem Khan.

He expressed grave concern over the disruption of connectivity in key regions, particularly Skardu, Jaglot, Buner, and various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Minister further directed that where roads remain blocked, alternative routes must be utilized to maintain traffic flow. A comprehensive report on the status and progress of restoration work in GB has also been ordered.

Condolences and Assurance of Support

Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the heavy rains in Buner and other regions, the Federal Minister extended prayers for those who lost their lives. He also expressed deep sorrow over the recent crash of a KPK Government helicopter, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives.

In his statement, Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring continuous travel facilities and public safety. He directed that emergency operations must remain active, with NHA teams on high alert, and that timely updates be provided to the public to avoid unnecessary distress.

“This is a testing time. Every possible assistance should be extended to the citizens and travelers. Relief efforts must not be interrupted under any circumstances,” he added.

The Minister emphasized that swift action is not only necessary for road restoration but also crucial to maintain access for emergency services and relief operations in the affected mountainous regions.