China and Pakistan Strengthen Connectivity with Year-Round Operation of Khunjerab Pass enhances trade and travel.
In a landmark development for China-Pakistan relations, the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border crossing, will now operate throughout the year, overcoming challenges of extreme weather and high-altitude conditions. Effective December 1, 2024, this initiative is a testament to the commitment of both nations to enhance trade and travel under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The decision, formalized under Article 2(3) of the 2013 China-Pakistan Agreement on Border Ports and Management Systems, underscores China’s proactive role in fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.
The Khunjerab Pass has long been a critical artery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linking Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region with China’s Xinjiang province. The year-round opening is expected to significantly boost trade volumes and cross-border travel. Official reports highlight the remarkable increase in activity through the pass, with over 50,000 passengers crossing and 40,900 tonnes of cargo transported from April to October alone this year, reflecting year-on-year growth rates of 42.6% and 72.7%, respectively. This development will further integrate Pakistan’s northern region into global trade networks, creating new opportunities for economic uplift.
China’s decision to maintain the Khunjerab Pass as an all-weather corridor is emblematic of its commitment to the shared prosperity of the BRI countries. It aligns with Beijing’s vision of fostering win-win cooperation through improved connectivity, which not only strengthens bilateral trade but also supports local businesses and communities. Authorities in Pakistan, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and National Highway Authority (NHA), have been mobilized to ensure smooth operations, reflecting a collaborative effort to make this transition seamless.
The local impact of this decision is already evident, as traders and residents of Gilgit-Baltistan express optimism about the socio-economic benefits. By facilitating uninterrupted trade, the initiative is poised to create employment opportunities and attract investment in infrastructure, tourism, and related sectors. Scholars, such as Dr. Faqeer Muhammad, Director of the China Study Centre G-B, have hailed this move as a “game-changer” for the region, with over 20,000 individuals directly benefiting from enhanced business activities. This step not only boosts trade but also strengthens people-to-people ties, a cornerstone of China’s diplomatic philosophy.
Despite the optimism, local stakeholders have highlighted the need for Pakistan to improve facilities on its side of the border to sustain operations during winter. With continued collaboration and strategic planning, the year-round operation of the Khunjerab Pass represents a monumental stride in advancing China-Pakistan connectivity, reinforcing their shared vision for regional development and mutual prosperity under the CPEC and the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
Related Posts
