The strategic Khunjerab Pass, a vital artery for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), was officially inaugurated for year-round trade and travel on Tuesday, marking a significant departure from its previous seasonal operation. This landmark decision, celebrated in a virtual ceremony, underscores the deepening cooperation between Pakistan and China and their commitment to uninterrupted connectivity. Previously, harsh winter conditions limited the pass’s operation to April-November. Now, under a new bilateral agreement, the gateway linking Gilgit-Baltistan and China’s Xinjiang region will remain open, a move hailed by leaders as transformative for economic activity and regional stability. Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role this will play in ensuring continuous trade and fostering greater prosperity.
GILGIT: Tuesday witnessed the virtual inauguration of year-round trade and travel through the Khunjerab Pass, a development officials have lauded as a historic leap in strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the ambitious CPEC project.
Serving as a crucial entry point for CPEC, the high-altitude pass had traditionally closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall. The new agreement, however, ensures its uninterrupted operation.
A high-level virtual ceremony commemorated the event, bringing together officials from China’s Xinjiang province and the Gilgit-Baltistan government. Notable attendees included Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, provincial ministers Engineer Muhammad Anwar and Rehmat Khaliq, GB Customs Collector Ghulam Mustafa, Additional Chief Secretary Mushtaq Ahmed, and the Governor of Xinjiang.
“This is a historic milestone, not just for Gilgit-Baltistan, but for all of Pakistan,” stated the Chief Minister. “The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Border will inject new vitality into the economy of Gilgit-Baltistan.”
He further added, “Traders can now conduct their business without seasonal disruptions, a tangible realization of the CPEC vision. We are resolute in our commitment to strengthening this crucial partnership.”
Officials from both sides echoed these sentiments, describing the move as “historic progress” in regional cooperation and a “new dimension” for CPEC.
A post-event statement highlighted the “new spirit” in trade relations between Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang, signifying a major step in Pakistan-China economic collaboration.
The Governor of Xinjiang remarked that the enduring friendship between the two nations had entered a “new phase.” He emphasized that the year-round opening would directly benefit the people of both regions, calling the Khunjerab Pass a “symbol of progress, prosperity, and cooperation.” He pledged continued collaboration with Gilgit-Baltistan’s leadership to promote regional peace, development, and mutual interests.
The virtual ceremony also included a presentation by Chinese officials on Xinjiang’s customs clearance system, and briefings from the Kashgar city commissioner and the GB customs collector on border operations.
Officials expressed optimism about the growing cooperation between Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang and anticipated further positive developments.
Situated at 15,500 feet, the Khunjerab Pass holds the distinction of being the world’s highest paved international border, connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang region.
While a 1985 agreement had traditionally limited its operation to April-November, a consensus reached in December of the previous year, under Article 2(3) of the 2013 agreement on border ports and their management system, paved the way for year-round access. Notably, year-round trade and travel activities had already commenced in December.
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