A major trade route between Pakistan and China known as Khunjerab Pass has been reopened after a hiatus of three years.
The Khunjerab pass which connects Gilgit-Baltistan with Xinjiang Uyghur region was closed in 2020 due to a rapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
On the Chinese side of Khunjerab Pass, the port authorities have been taking all COVID related measures before arrival of goods from Pakistan.
Likewise, authorities on Pakistani side have also been instructed to take all measures regarding Covid-19.
It may be mentioned here that as result of cold weather and lack of oxygen in the high altitude, Khunjerab Pass generally opens from April 1 to November 30 every year, and remains closed from December 1 to March 31 of the following year.
It is believed that the reopening of the border crossing will help boost economic activities between the two countries.
Meanwhile,Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his pleasure over the reopening of Khunjerab Pass and said that it would help increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.
The prime minister termed the occasion a welcome one for boosting trade with ‘Iron brother China’, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
