GILGIT, May 17: The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) on Friday claimed that the biggest blockade along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), that spanned over 56km, would be cleared by Monday and the roads between Gilgit, Skardu and Astore are likely to be cleared by the end of the current month.

The FWO maintained that heavy equipment were transported to the affected site, between Tatupani and Thalichi villages, and it had undertaken round-the-clock work to restore traffic. It said floods had deeply eroded the KKH over 60km.

The highway was blocked on May 1 and people of the region were facing acute shortage of food, fuel and medicines.

Pakistan International Airlines had increased flights to the region to help the stranded passengers but they were subject to clear weather.

Army helicopters rescued thousands of stranded passengers in Chilas and Gilgit. They also transported essential commodities and mail to Astore, Skardu and other areas.

The administration had placed a strict vigil on profiteering and hoarding of essential goods in the Northern Areas.