The KKH and Pakistan
Ditto to Colebatch below regarding passes.
Regarding safety in Pakistan, I also agree with the other posts here. I'd recommend that you contact a few reputable Pakistani tour operators. There are some good ones with offices in the Northern Areas as well as in Islamabad. They will have a keen interest in your safety and be able to keep you posted regarding safe or unsafe areas. In the best of times (recent years) the area south of Chilas has had some problems, but the police are very nice and will look out for travelers. If you get concerned when you are there, you could hire cheaply a guide escort on-demand to take you through certain areas. The KKH in the Northern Areas is very peaceful and if you are needing a rest, it is a great place to kick back and relax.
I would guess that if Pakistan ever destabilizes in a big way, that the entire region will be affected and travel restricted (eg borders closed, etc.). Hopefully, this does not happen. Tourism is a major part of the Northern Areas economy and it has been hit hard since 9/11.
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