Written by: Tanveer Ali
Posted on: October 21, 2024 | 
| 中文
The Karakoram Highway near Juglot, where the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindukush meet
The Karakoram Highway (KKH), which links Pakistan and China, covers over 1,300 kilometers of one of the most formidable mountain ranges in the world. It is a monumental engineering achievement. The highway starts from Abbottabad, joins the Indus River in the Kohistan region, and travels alongside it, accompanied by the thundering sound of water flowing downstream. Transversing along the Indus River, the KKH passes through Kohistan, Dasu, Chilas and Juglot, where the Gilgit River joins the Indus River flowing from Baltistan. Juglot is where the three mighty mountain ranges of the world: Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush meet. It’s journey further north takes it to Gilgit, Nagar and finally to Hunza, the district bordering China. Khunjerab Top in Gojal Hunza is where the KKH enters Chinese territory.
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Passu Cones, Gojal, Hunza.
The origins of the KKH can be traced back to the Silk Road, the trade and cultural exchange route between East and West. The KKH is a modern reincarnation of that ancient trade route, connecting China with the outside world. The primary need for the KKH was to improve connectivity and promote economic ties between the two nations by establishing a formal land trade route. Thus, the highway was initiated as a joint venture between Pakistan and China in 1966 and officially opened in 1978. It has been integrated into the National Highway system (NH) and is also known as NH–35, which starts at Hasanabdal.
Local workers working on KKH (Picture credits to The Friday Times).
The KKH was built through a terrain renowned for its rugged beauty, adorned with high mountains, rivers and glaciers, earning it the title of the "Eighth Wonder of the World." It traverses the impressive Karakoram mountain range, featuring enormous peaks and deep, high-altitude valleys that sometimes exceed 4,700 meters in height. The dangerous Nanga Parbat in Diamer, the magnificent Rakaposhi in Nagar Valley, and the Passu Cones in Gojal Hunza, visible from the KKH, offer breathtaking views as you travel towards Khunjerab. Such challenging geography required exceptional engineering skill, as the highway had to be carved from solid rock and built atop precipitous cliffs. Heavy loss of life occurred during construction due to extreme weather conditions and harsh terrain. According to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) website, which undertook the work on Pakistan’s side, 692 soldiers from the FWO and 108 Chinese workers lost their lives before the completion of the project. Civilian casualties were in addition to this, estimated at around 200 individuals. Around 90 of those Chinese who laid their lives while working on KKH are buried in the famous Chinese Graveyard in Danyor, Gilgit.
Chinese Graveyard in Danyor, Gilgit.
After a series of battles against landslides, avalanches, and frigid temperatures, the KKH was completed as a symbol of human determination and partnership overcoming obstacles. This bond of brotherhood and sacrifice has also earned the KKH the name "Friendship Highway." Mr. Wang Dexing, the younger brother of the late Wang Zhiyuan, who died while working on the construction of the KKH, expressed hope that "the Sino-Pakistan friendship would go from strength to strength and that younger generations would further cement this friendship." He said this, “while speaking to Pakistan Today at an event organized by the All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association (APCEA) last year”. In these hard times when our Chinese friends are attacked by terrorists in our territory, this solidarity is needed more than ever.
The KKH along the Indus River, 2001
In addition to being a remarkable construction feat, the KKH plays a significant role in connecting Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to Pakistan and China. This connectivity has transformed GB into a tourist destination, opening up opportunities for visitors to explore its stunning mountains, glaciers and pristine lakes. Nanga Parbat, K-2, Rakaposhi and Diran Peak are some of the most popular mountains for mountaineers and adventurers alike, while Deosai, Minimarg, Domail, Kachura Lake, Altit Fort, Naltar Valley and numerous other locations are tourist hubs for people from Pakistan and around the world. The influx of tourists has provided economic opportunities for local communities and showcased the region's beauty, both in nature and heritage. Furthermore, the KKH has served as a source of livelihood for thousands of residents, facilitating trade and work opportunities across the border.
Milestone near Besham in Pakistan with details about different areas
The KKH holds more significance than meets the eye. Beyond its importance in local and regional tourism and economy, it also carries substantial geopolitical weight for both Pakistan and China in an increasingly multipolar world. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a network of roads, railways and energy infrastructure that has the potential to transform Pakistan’s crippling economy. As the main artery of CPEC driving trade and commerce, the KKH is crucial for Pakistan’s prosperity and stability. The development of Gwadar Port, which will be connected to the KKH by another CPEC road project, provides China with a strategic link to the Arabian Sea and to India through the KKH. By establishing this key hub for trade, China gains an essential link to international markets and can maneuver more efficiently to reach the Middle East and Africa. In this broader context, the KKH's significance as a transportation route is not its only function; it also serves as an object of national and international strategic interests. The Minister for Planning and Development, Government of Pakistan, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly, stating, "CPEC is more than just a corridor of roads and bridges; it is a pathway to growth, stability, and shared prosperity for generations to come."
Map of the Karakoram Highway's route.
The Karakoram Highway is, therefore, a spectacular amalgamation of thousands of years of history, engineering marvel and geopolitical maneuvering. Its necessity and perseverance have aided its construction as both a trade and tourist route, bringing Pakistan and China closer than ever before. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the KKH remains a vital economic development lifeline and a cornerstone of geopolitical strategy, bridging people and cultures while dismantling political and geographic boundaries.
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