A vibrant inaugural ceremony was held in Tashkurgan, a city in China near the border with Tajikistan, to celebrate the opening of the Khunjerab Pass to year-round tourism. The event featured lively music, fireworks, traditional dances, and national songs from both China and Pakistan, adding a festive atmosphere to 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 ceremony. The group met with Chinese government officials and travel agents to discuss ways to enhance trade and tourism between Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and China’s northwest region.
Speakers from both countries hailed the opening of the pass as a “historic achievement,” emphasizing its potential to significantly boost tourism, particularly in the regions of GB and Xinjiang.
Iqbal Hussain, head of GB’s tourism department, explained that although the Khunjerab Pass had been open to tourism since 1984, it was previously limited to the summer months due to harsh winter weather. He added, “Recognizing the potential of winter tourism, it became clear that the border should be opened year-round.”
The deputy commissioner of Tashkurgan expressed optimism that the year-round accessibility of Khunjerab Pass would improve the quality of life in the region.
Following the ceremony, a tourist bus carrying 21 delegates departed China for Pakistan, greeted by music and celebration.
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