Preparations are underway to ensure year-round operational access to the Khunjerab Pass for trade and general travel between Pakistan and China. To facilitate international transit trade and general travel, a letter has been sent to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, emphasizing the expected year-round operation of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) due to its significance in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) trade activities.
Given the extreme altitude and heavy snowfall leading to KKH closures from December to April, the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) staff is deployed on the KKH for routine maintenance work. Moreover, the National Highway Authority (NHA) and FWO have signed an agreement to keep the KKH open during the winter season between Sost and Khunjerab Pass for all types of traffic.
The Sost Dry Port will also remain operational year-round as per orders from the Prime Minister’s Office, and efforts are being made to ensure its continuous operation during the winter. Additionally, during a visit to China by the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, both countries agreed to keep the pass open and improve its infrastructure, construction, and management for safer travel conditions on this high-altitude international border.
