The Khunjerab Pass, a key border point between Pakistan and China, has officially opened for winter tourism for the first time on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in cross-border travel.
A vibrant inaugural ceremony was held at Tashkurgan, a city in China located on the border with Tajikistan. The event was filled with music, fireworks, traditional dances, and national songs from both countries, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion.
Raja Nazeemul Ameen, an aide to the president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led Pakistan’s delegation to the event. The delegation met with Chinese government officials and travel agents to explore avenues for enhancing trade and tourism between Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and China’s northwest region.
Speakers from both nations hailed the opening of the Khunjerab Pass to year-round tourism as a “historic achievement” that will play a vital role in boosting tourism in both GB and Xinjiang.
Iqbal Hussain, head of GB’s tourism department, highlighted that while the pass had been open to tourism since 1984, it was traditionally limited to the summer months due to harsh winter weather conditions. “Recognizing the potential of winter tourism, it became necessary to open the border year-round,” he said.
The deputy commissioner of Tashkurgan expressed optimism that the opening of the pass would improve the quality of life in the region by fostering economic growth through increased travel and trade.
Following the ceremony, a tourist bus carrying 21 delegates departed China for Pakistan, accompanied by music and fanfare, marking the first of many expected to cross the newly accessible border during the winter season.
