Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Army has completed a 66-kilometer road connecting Shagma in Astore with Manthokha in Skardu.
- The new route has reduced travel time between the two districts to just a few hours.
- The road has restored direct access to district headquarters for eight villages, improving local travel and economic activity.
The Pakistan Army has completed a 66-kilometer road track connecting Shagma in Astore with Manthokha in Skardu, significantly improving travel between the two districts.
Built through challenging mountainous terrain, the new route has reduced the journey time between Astore and Skardu to just a few hours, making it easier for residents to travel.
The Shagma-Manthokha road has also restored direct access to district headquarters for eight villages in the Phoota Khas Valley of Gultari, enhancing connectivity for local communities.
Residents have welcomed the project, stating that it will make travel easier and support economic activity in the area.
The improved link is expected to support local trade, agriculture, and livestock transportation, while providing better access to markets and essential services.
The road is part of broader efforts by the Pakistan Army to improve connectivity and promote social and economic development in Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountainous communities.
