Khunjerab Pass reopens

Opening marked by the arrival of 40 Chinese containers loaded with goods from Xinjiang.

GILGIT:

The reopening of the Khunjerab Pass for year-round operations was marked by the arrival of 40 Chinese containers loaded with goods from Xinjiang to Sost, Pakistan.

Alongside the cargo, a bus carrying four passengers from China arrived in Sost, while another bus with five passengers departed for Xinjiang, underscoring the resumption of uninterrupted connectivity at the key trade and travel route.

The decision, made under Article 2(3) of the Protocol of the Agreement Between Pakistan and China on Border Ports and Their Management System signed in 2013, was announced by Pakistan's Foreign Office.

"Operations at the Khunjerab-Sost border crossing are henceforth expanded to year-round operations," the Foreign Office stated, adding that the FIA, Frontier Works.

Organisation (FWO), National Highway Authority (NHA), and Pakistan Customs have been instructed to maintain uninterrupted services even during the winter months.

Located at 15,500 feet above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass is the world's highest paved international border.

Previously, it was closed annually from December 1 to March 31 due to heavy snowfall, with snow already six inches deep in some areas. The new arrangement, however, ensures that trade and travel will continue year-round, regardless of weather conditions.