Khanjrab Pass will now be open all year round.

RAWALPINDI: Trade activities between Pakistan, China and Central Asian states through the Khunjrab Pass, which was earlier closed to traffic for five months during the winter season due to heavy snowfall, will now continue throughout the year.

Sources said that the historic feat of opening the Khunjarab Pass for trade between Pakistan, China and Central Asian states during the winter season has been achieved for the first time in 77 years.

Located at an altitude of about 16,000 feet above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass connects Gilgit-Baltistan with China and is part of the CPEC.

Transport of machinery, textiles, electronic goods, foodstuffs and commodities through Khanjrab Pass has some busy commercial activities and such activities are very important for the development of the neighboring countries.

In the past years, Pakistan also used this corridor and pass to transport industrial and agricultural goods to Central Asian states, especially Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Officials said that year-round trade activities through the Khunjrab Pass would further strengthen Pakistan’s trade relations with other countries in the region.

Earlier this pass had to be closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall. To remove obstacles to year-round trade activities, Pakistan and China at the Third Belt and Road Forum in 2023 reached an agreement to speed up efforts to maintain the Khunjarab Pass even in winter.

It was also decided that both countries will take necessary steps to enhance basic infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted trade.

In view of this decision, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has taken some comprehensive measures including installation of central heating system and provision of other required facilities for officials and traders.