Pak-China Khunjerab Pass opens for ‘year-round’ trade and travel

The move hailed as a major step forward in regional connectivity and economic cooperation under the framework of CPEC; previously the border was closed during harsh winter months due to extreme weather will now remain operational

- Tariq Butt

Pakistan and China have jointly decided to keep the Khunjerab border between the two countries open throughout the year, thus transforming it into an all-weather trade and travel route.

The unprecedented move is being hailed as a major step forward in regional connectivity and economic cooperation under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The round-the-year operation of the Khunjerab Pass is being seen as a strategic enhancement of CPEC's transport corridor, with the potential to significantly boost trade volumes, facilitate cultural exchange, and strengthen economic integration. Officials on both sides hailed the move as a transformative step that turns long-standing vision into actionable progress.

The announcement regarding the round-the-year operation of the Khunjerab border was made during a high-level virtual inauguration ceremony that marked the formal launch of the year-round border opening.

The event was attended by Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Haji Gulbar Khan and senior officials from Kashgar, Xinjiang. The initiative aims to revitalise cross-border commerce, tourism, and diplomatic ties between the two strategic regions.