Pakistan, China to keep Khunjerab-Sost border open in winter for the first time

Pakistan and China have agreed to keep the Khunjerab-Sost border open during the harsh winter months to continue bilateral trade, for the first time.

Khunjerab Pass, located in the Karakoram Mountains, connects Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region with China's Xinjiang region. This strategic pass lies on the Karakoram Highway, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is crucial for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Traditionally, the Khunjerab-Sost border closed every year on November 30 due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. However, the Chinese government recently agreed to keep the border open year-round, enabling uninterrupted trade. This decision comes under the Border Protocol Agreement of 2013.

Trade between the two countries via Khunjerab Pass has seen significant growth. In 2019, the annual trade reached $856.3 million, a 47% increase from the previous year.

China mainly exports electronic items, garments, and spare parts, while Pakistan exports gemstones, dry fruits, medicinal herbs, and clothing.

Officials told Nukta that the trade between both countries shall continue during this winter from December 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025) as Beijing wanted to export their items to Pakistan.

" Although China has provided machinery and other clearing goods for smooth functioning of trade" despite this Pakistan is not expecting substantial additional trade through the Sost border after December 31st, officials told Nukta.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed relevant authorities, including FIA, FWO, NHA, and Pakistan Customs, to maintain their operations at the Sost port to facilitate this extended trade period.