Khunjerab Pass reopens after three years of closure

Khunjerab Pass, a major trade route between Pakistan and China, reopened after three years of closure.

Pakistan-China border crossing at Khunjerab Pass is set to open for cargo and passengers on April 3.

The development comes after the arrangements on both sides of the border route connecting Gilgit Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region were finalised.

Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, travel, and other activities will resume at the China-Pakistan border Khunjerab Pass.

Khunjerab Pass generally opens from April 1 to November 30 every year and remains closed from December 1 to March 31, due to cold weather and lack of oxygen in the high altitude.

However, the border was closed for regular trade and passengers due to the Coronavirus pandemic for almost three years.

Khunjerab Pass was closed in the year 2020 after the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

As per the official sources, the Chinese authorities have shared a letter with Pakistani officials regarding the reopening of the pass for trade.

The port authorities on the Chinese side of Khunjerab Pass have been instructed to take all necessary measures regarding COVID-19 before the arrival of goods begins from Pakistan.

Likewise, Pakistani border authorities have also been instructed to take all measures regarding COVID-19, ensuring the containment of the disease.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his pleasure over the reopening of Khunjerab Pass, saying it would help increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.

“The development would boost trade with ‘Iron brother China.” the PM Office quoted the premier in an official statement.

The PM said the reopening of the pass removed a hurdle that would further expedite the pace of work on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), adding that the restoration of the trade route between the two countries, after three years, was a matter of huge rejoice.