Construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an important part of China's Belt and Road Initiative,  began in April 2015 during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan. The Karakorum Highway section from Havelian to Thakot plays a key part. 

The 1,300-kilometer Karakorum Highway is the highest paved international road in the world and the only overland channel connecting China and Pakistan.

In the past, it suffered great damage from landslides and other geological disasters.

China and Pakistan signed a deal to upgrade and expand the highway, and the second phase of construction is underway. The project is expected to bring far more than better road conditions.

It has created many jobs for locals. Over 2,500 Pakistanis are employed on the construction, more than double the number of Chinese workers.

The extension of the Karakorum Highway is just one of the many cooperation projects between China and Pakistan. 

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