By Haroun Rashid
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has opened a new era of development opportunities in Pakistan. Economic interests have strongly compelled the emerging super power China to spread the network of communications, including roads and railways in Pakistan for accessing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz from the shortest possible approach via Kashgar and Gwadar.
In recent years, the Chinese companies have invested in several multi-million dollars infrastructure projects, and one of the outcomes is Karakoram Highway (N-35). The road is a prominent tourist destination, not only for local tourists but among foreigners as well, for its smooth journey through the mesmerizing and spectacular scenery of Gilgit, Nagar, Hunza, Gojal, Sust and Khunjerab valleys.
Travel on this road gives the tourists chance to experience several six and seven thousanders peaks of Karakoram such as Rakaposhi, Hunza Peak, Pasu Sar, Passu Cones, and others.
Karakoram highway further is being connected with the Motorway network, which will shrink the trade time between China and Middle East and the West.
Recently, I have had the chance to travel and explore the Northern region capturing the beauty of these places with my mobile phone.
Haroun Rashid is a multimedia journalist, media trainer and a researcher based in Islamabad.
All photos are by the author.
