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ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has appreciated government of China for agreeing to open its Sust border with Pakistan to facilitate timely provision of goods and fuel to the landslide-affected population of Hunza. Talking to mediapersons here, he said this gesture of the Chinese government is another milestone of our time-tested friendship and would further strengthen the historical bonds between the two countries. Kaira, who is also Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, said “Government of Pakistan is grateful to China for recognizing the need of our people at this time of urgency and for its touching gesture of humanitarian help.”
Due to a massive landslide in Attabad village of Hunza on January 4, the entire village was swept into Indus River. About three kms of the main Karakoram Highway was blocked due to the landslide.
The road blockage, being on the main communication artery of the area, is hindering relief and rescue effort from the south. Apart from air-lifting, there is no alternative means to transport basic amenities, fuel and other necessities to the people of the area as they face the bitter winter season.
On initiative of Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, a huge consignmentof relief goods was airlifted by helicopters to the area recently. Although underway, the operation is currently suspended due to bad weather.
The only available road link to the area is from the northern part of Karakoram Highway coming from Sust border with China that is presently closed.
Kaira said in view of the hardships being faced by the people of Attabad village and the surrounding areas, and the difficulty in providing relief goods to the affected people, the Pakistan government had requested the Chinese government to open Sust border for helping with the rescue and relief efforts.
He said the Chinese government has agreed to open the Sust route in the next few days.--APP
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