The Khunjerab Pass was virtually inaugurated on Tuesday, marking a historic step toward year-round trade and travel between Pakistan and China. Officials hailed the move as a significant advancement for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and regional cooperation.
Previously, the pass remained closed during the winter months, from December to March, due to heavy snowfall. Under the new agreement, however, the border will now stay open throughout the year, facilitating continuous trade and travel.
The inauguration took place during a high-level virtual ceremony attended by officials from China’s Xinjiang province and Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan government. Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, along with ministers Engineer Muhammad Anwar and Rehmat Khaliq, GB Customs Collector Ghulam Mustafa, Additional Chief Secretary Mushtaq Ahmed, and the Governor of Xinjiang province, participated via video link.
“This is a historic milestone not only for Gilgit-Baltistan but for all of Pakistan,” said Chief Minister Khan. “The decision to open the Khunjerab Pass year-round will inject new energy into the economy of Gilgit-Baltistan.”
