Stranded Amid Landslides: Gilgit-Baltistan Battles Communication Breakdown

Thousands of people, including foreign tourists, are stranded in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region due to extensive roadblocks caused by rain-triggered landslides. According to reports, mobile and internet services are also down following damage to fiber optic cables.

The strategic Karakoram Highway remains impassable in the Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leaving many tourists and residents stuck. Gilgit Baltistan's local government, however, has managed to reopen some sections of the highway within the region. Efforts continue to evacuate and aid those affected, as well as to restore communication channels.

Regional authorities, led by Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, have declared several flood-affected areas as disaster zones. Relief operations, including free airlifts for stranded individuals, are in progress. Restoration of essential services such as water, electricity, and road access is underway in the impacted areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)