- April 2, 2024
- Kainat Shakeel
- 0
GILGIT: On Monday, Khunjerab Pass, which had been closed for four months beginning on November 30, was once again available for traffic and business between China and Pakistan. As of right moment, the border crossing is anticipated to be operational all year round. The Khunjerab Pass would be open all year round, according to an agreement reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and then-caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on October 20 in Beijing.
The Sost Dry Port hosted a flag-hooping ceremony on Monday. Among those present at the occasion were representatives from the Hunza district government, customs officers, and local shopkeepers. On this occasion, national anthems were played and the flags of China and Pakistan were raised. Dr. Asjad, a Customs official, entreated the dealers to abide by the laws of the department. Through the pass came a van belonging to the government-run Northern Areas Transportation Cooperation, which was transporting European visitors as well as Chinese nationals. Conversely, Chinese shipping containers filled with imported merchandise made their way into Pakistan.
In the meantime, Pakistani and Chinese officials swapped documents and were present at the yearly permits exchange ceremony conducted at the China Gate. Imtiaz Shigri, the assistant collector of customs at Sost, informed Dawn that Chinese and Pakistani authorities had determined to handle trade-related concerns by cooperation at a virtual meeting. Two focal points, one from Pakistan and one from Tashkurgan, were chosen to work together on this. Mr. Shigri expressed optimism that two-way commerce would pick up in speed and volume this year and that the calm atmosphere would persist.