Hussaini Bridge – A Symbol of Courage and Resilience

✍️ Shariq Ali
Valueversity

In the breathtaking valley of Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, lies one of the world’s most dangerous suspension bridges—the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, which connects the village of Hussaini in Gojal Tehsil to the nearby settlement of Zarabad.

The bridge is about 635 feet long, with such wide gaps between its wooden planks that anyone crossing must tread with utmost care. Swaying in the strong winds, the bridge offers tourists a thrilling adventure, but for the locals, it remains an essential part of daily life.

Its foundation was laid in 1968 during the rule of Mir of Hunza, Muhammad Jamal Khan. Over the years, floods and natural disasters repeatedly damaged it, yet the local community repaired and maintained it with their own hands. Today, the bridge stands as a living testament to their perseverance and strength.

Its perilous nature came to the forefront again in recent years when, in 2022, a student tragically lost his life in an accident, leading to the bridge’s temporary closure. Even so, it continues to serve as both a necessity for residents and a fascination for visitors.

Standing on the bridge, gazing at the turquoise river flowing below and the snow-capped mountains surrounding it, one realizes that this is not merely a structure of wood and ropes, but a living symbol—of human determination, courage, and our timeless bond with nature.