NHA and FWO speed up flood-hit road reopening operations

Gilgit, 20 August 2025

Gilgit-Baltistan (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – An important meeting was held in Gilgit between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah. They both discussed the overall situation of the province following the recent floods and torrential rains, adding the restoration of affected roads and ongoing relief efforts. Governor GB appreciated the rapid response and relief operations carried out by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of Communications. He said that the timely deployment of heavy machinery in such difficult circumstances is commendable and has played a vital role in the opening of the road network in Gilgit Baltistan. They both expressed grief over the loss of precious lives and public property in various districts due to rains but noted that joint efforts of the Federal and Provincial Governments have accelerated the process of reopening transport routes. Governor GB also thanked Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan for personally visiting Gilgit-Baltistan.

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Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that this natural calamity was indeed a major challenge; however, NHA, FWO and other institutions immediately responded and began emergency work from day one with additional machinery and workforce deployed from Punjab and Sindh. He informed us that he personally visited Gilgit-Baltistan to oversee the restoration of the affected highways. They also talked about Naltar Expressway, Babusar Road, Ghizer Expressway and other key routes and noted that progress is being reviewed on a daily basis. Abdul Aleem Khan said that heavy machinery and the dedicated workforce of the National Highway Authority are working diligently at the affected sites and that NHA will remain fully engaged until complete restoration of the roads. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan further stated that the restoration process has accelerated due to strong coordination between the concerned agencies and the opening of highways is being materialised.