Khunjerab Pass, a vital trade route between Pakistan and China, has been reopened after being closed for almost three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The pass connects Gilgit-Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, and was closed in 2020 when the Covid-19 outbreak spread.
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The Chinese authorities have informed their Pakistani counterparts of the reopening of the pass for trade via a letter, and have instructed port authorities on their side to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Pakistani border authorities have also been instructed to take measures to contain the disease.
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The pass generally opens from April 1 to November 30 each year, but was temporarily opened twice earlier this year to ensure the smooth clearance of urgently needed supplies.
Despite difficulties such as cold weather, heavy snow, and lack of oxygen, the local customs worked tirelessly to transport the cargo. The reopening of the border crossing is expected to boost economic activities between the two countries.
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This year, the last temporary opening was last for 12 days between January 30 and February 10 while the first port opening was between January 19 and 20 this year.
The two temporary openings facilitated 128 cross-border personnel visits, 328 transportation vehicles’ passes, and more than 6,000 tons of goods exported, as per foreign affairs office of Kashgar prefecture.
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It is believed that the reopening of the border crossing will help boost economic activities between the two countries.
