After being closed for four months, the Khunjerab Pass, a crucial border crossing between Pakistan and China, has been reopened on Monday, signaling a significant development for travel and trade between the two nations. The pass had been shut since November 30 but is now set to remain operational throughout the year.
The reopening ceremony, held at the Sost Dry Port, was marked with a flag hoisting ceremony where both Pakistani and Chinese flags were proudly displayed, accompanied by the playing of national anthems. Attending the ceremony were local traders, officials from the Hunza district administration, and Customs officials.
In a notable move towards continued cooperation, a meeting between then-caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on October 20 paved the way for the agreement to keep the Khunjerab Pass open year-round.
During the reopening ceremony, Customs official Dr. Asjad emphasized the importance of respecting the department’s laws to the attending traders. The event saw the crossing of a Northern Areas Transportation Cooperation van, transporting passengers including Chinese citizens and European tourists into China through the pass. Simultaneously, Chinese containers loaded with imported goods entered Pakistan from the other side.
Further fostering the spirit of cooperation, an annual permits exchange ceremony took place at the China Gate, where Pakistani and Chinese officials exchanged documents and gifts, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations.
In efforts to streamline trade, Customs’ assistant collector at Sost, Imtiaz Shigri, informed Dawn that a virtual meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials had been held to resolve trade-related issues with mutual coordination. Additionally, focal persons from Tashkurgan and Pakistan were appointed to facilitate smoother coordination in trade matters.
Expressing optimism for the future, Mr. Shigri stated his hope for an increase in the pace and volume of two-way trade, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment conducive to thriving trade relations between Pakistan and China.
