The regional leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from Gilgit-Baltistan, Amjad Hussain, announced that China has decided to keep the Khunjerab Pass open all year round for trade and travel.
Amjad Hussain, the party’s regional president, claims that Chinese authorities have also agreed to ease restrictions on importing certain goods from Pakistan.
Hussain, who recently met Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad, said the land route between Pakistan and China would now operate throughout the year. He mentioned that this was a long-standing request from the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and that the foreign minister had agreed to discuss the issue with Chinese officials.
Hussain added that the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass would boost the local economy and benefit Pakistan as a whole. Furthermore, to ensure smooth traffic flow during winter, Chinese authorities have provided snow removal machines for clearing the Pass.
Trade and travel through the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved road, usually occurs from April to December. In addition, China plans to inspect Pakistani cherry orchards in Gilgit-Baltistan for potential imports.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has informed the Ministry of National Food Security that China’s General Administration of Customs will conduct compliance inspections via video link.
