New Road Connecting Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir Nears Completion

A new 14-kilometer road linking Qamri Top in Gilgit-Baltistan to Taobat in Azad Kashmir (Pakistan administered Kashmir) is rapidly taking shape, with over half of the project already completed as of 20 September. The road, which has seen 8 kilometers finalized, is being hailed as a significant development in connecting the two regions of the disputed Kashmir territory.

The project, undertaken with technical support from Pakistan’s army engineers, is designed to enhance travel, trade, and tourism between the mountainous regions. Officials say the new route will reduce travel time considerably while opening up previously hard-to-reach areas to visitors and local businesses.

“The road not only strengthens connectivity but also reinforces the historical and cultural links between communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir,” said Owais Abbasi, Deputy Commissioner of Astore.

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Both regions consider the road a key infrastructure milestone, reflecting the shared heritage and identity of Kashmiris across the territory. The road is expected to serve as a lifeline for local trade and tourism, providing a safer and faster route through challenging terrain.

Local tourism operators anticipate that the new route will attract a higher number of visitors, enabling access to scenic valleys, rivers, and cultural landmarks previously limited by difficult travel conditions.

This development also highlights the ongoing role of infrastructure projects in fostering economic growth in the broader Kashmir region. Analysts note that such projects, while controversial in the context of the territorial dispute, provide tangible benefits to local populations.

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Construction is ongoing, with engineers aiming to complete the remaining sections of the road within the next few months. The project has been widely documented through local media and social platforms, providing a visual record of the engineering challenges and progress achieved.