THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Security at KKH’ (July 20). I recently returned from Gilgit by road after a 12-and-a half-hour road journey.

I agree with the writer that security for the families travelling on Karakoram Highway and the Kaghan Valley route during Eid holidays needs to be enhanced, keeping in view the past sad experiences.

But the readers need to be informed that the alternative and preferred route for passenger vehicles and jeeps to Gilgit-Baltistan is now the Kaghan Valley via Babusar Pass into Chilas (KKH).

This is a journey shorter by at least two hours, much more scenic, cooler and safer. Overnight accommodation is available at Kaghan and Naran (about seven hours by road from Islamabad).

The road, for the last two hours to Babusar Pass (at nearly 13,000 feet), from the Kaghan side is under construction, but passable as I saw all makes of cars, including a Suzuki Mehran, and motorcycles, doing the journey.

On the pass, there is a Rangers and police checkpost where all vehicles are inspected and ID cards checked. On the Chilas side there is the presence of the army (FWO), and a police checkpost at the junction to KKH.

The police and the Rangers staff are friendly, helpful and courteous. We felt very safe and comfortable in their presence.

Dr Anisur Rahman

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2014