[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Khunjerab Pass, a crucial commercial route connecting Pakistan and China, was shut down for almost three years.
After the coronavirus outbreak expanded in the year 2020, the pass separating China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from Gilgit Baltistan (GB) was shut down.
Official sources state that a letter from the Chinese government to Pakistani officials regarding the reopening of the route for trade has been shared.
Before to the start of the entry of goods from Pakistan, the port officials on the Chinese side of the Khunjerab Pass have been advised to take all required precautions about COVID-19.
Similar to this, Pakistani border authorities have also been directed to take all necessary actions to control COVID-19.
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But to ensure the smooth customs clearance of Pakistan’s urgently needed and other supplies, the port was temporarily opened twice early this year.
Even though difficulties include extremely cold weather, heavy snow and lack of oxygen, the local customs have worked round the clock to ensure the transportation of cargo.
This year, the last temporary opening lasted for 12 days between January 30 and February 10 while the first port opening was between January 19 and 20 this year.
The two temporary openings facilitated 128 cross-border personnel visits, 328 transportation vehicles passes, and more than 6,000 tons of goods exported, as per the foreign affairs office of Kashgar prefecture.
It is believed that the reopening of the border crossing will help boost economic activities between the two neighbouring countries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
