A tragic Karakoram Highway accident took eight lives in Lower Kohistan on Thursday. The victims were part of the same family, travelling from Gilgit Baltistan to Punjab. Their journey turned fatal near Matta Banda, where the vehicle lost control and plunged into a deep ravine.
The car was navigating a sharp curve on the Karakoram Highway, a route known for its dangerous turns and narrow paths. According to police, the driver could not maintain control of the steering. The car went off the road and crashed into a gorge near the Indus River.
District Police Officer (DPO) Lower Kohistan, Taimur Khan, confirmed that all eight bodies were recovered and moved to District Headquarters Hospital in Pattan. He said, “We have shifted the bodies to a health facility, and they will be sent to Rawalpindi.” He added that the spot where the traffic accident took place is especially risky.
DPO Khan praised the rescue operation. “Rescue 1122, local volunteers, and police worked with great professionalism,” he said. The teams responded quickly and retrieved all the bodies from the crash site despite the rough terrain.
The victims were identified as Asif Iqbal of Rawalpindi, his wife Memona Iqbal, their four children, and two relatives—Aisha Siddique and Bushra Waseem. The family was returning home when tragedy struck.
Rescue 1122 official Malik Sharif spoke to the media. He said the rate of road mishaps along the Karakoram Highway, especially in Upper and Lower Kohistan, remains high. “Drivers from other regions are often unfamiliar with the difficult road conditions,” he explained.
He urged caution for those driving in the area. The Karakoram Highway accident highlights the dangers of the mountain roads that pass through Kohistan. DPO Khan echoed this concern and said the authorities have already issued warnings to motorists. He stressed the need for careful driving on these risky slopes.
The loss of lives in this vehicular tragedy has once again raised questions about road safety along Pakistan’s most iconic but hazardous highway.
