Khunjerab Pass Opens for Full-Year Trade Between Pakistan, China, Central Asia

The Khunjerab Pass has been made operational for round-the-year trade between Pakistan, China, and Central Asian Republics (CARs). This landmark has been achieved for the first time since 77 years of independence. The Khunjerab Pass serves as a vital trade route, linking Gilgit-Baltistan with China. The flagship CPEC project aims to enhance connectivity and trade between China, Pakistan, and CARs. The Khunjerab Pass facilitates the flow of goods, including machinery, textiles, electronics, and food products, benefiting the economies of neighboring nations. Over the years, Pakistan has also utilized this route to export industrial and agricultural products to CARs, especially Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The all-weather opening of Khunjerab will further strengthen economic ties between China and Pakistan besides boosting regional trade and economic integration. Historically, the pass used to open only from April to November due to heavy snowfall and challenging winter conditions. This limited the full potential of cross-border trade to seven months each year. To address this issue, the leadership of Pakistan and China in a Joint Statement at the Third Belt and Road Forum in 2023 declared that efforts will be made to operate Khunjerab Pass year-round. Both countries committed to enhancing infrastructure and improving passage conditions to ensure uninterrupted trade flow. In line with this decision, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has implemented comprehensive measures to support the handling of cross-border trade at Sost Dry Port which includes a central heating system and other facilities for officials and traders. These amenities are aimed at ensuring the efficient functioning of trade operations throughout the year. Moreover, large-scale movement has been planned to increase imports/ exports and transit from Pakistan.