The jailed individuals, mostly from Gilgit-Baltistan, were businessmen and had gone to China for work in November, 2015.
Ghulam Abbas, an immigration official at Khunjerab Pass, said, “They had been arrested by the Chinese government on suspicion, and we are very pleased that they have been released and handed over to us.” He said efforts were under way to release the remaining Pakistani citizens who are detained.
The eight Pakistanis were released after persistent efforts from immigration officials, especially Abbas. They reached Sost town in Gojal Valley late on Friday night from where they will head to their homes after completing legal formalities.
One of the detainees Yawar while talking to the media complained that the Pakistan embassy in China failed to help the traders while they were in detention.
However, he could not contain his gratitude at being released and said, “It is a moment of joy for us and we are thankful to immigration authorities, particularly Ghulam Abbas, for their efforts.”
Hundreds of G-B residents are involved in trade with China via Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world.
However, the volume of trade has remained low for nearly five years between 2010 and 2015. This was due to a huge landslide in Attabad that created a lake which submerged nearly 25 kilometres of the highway in Hunza.
The road, which has now been reconstructed, was inaugrated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2015.
