Positioned about 270 kilometers from Gilgit and 870 kilometers from Islamabad, its strategic location makes it an essential hub for international trade and cross-border tourism between the two nations.
Key Takeaways:
– Khunjerab Pass witnessed a 110% increase in travelers in the first half of this year.
– Highest daily clearance recorded on June 11 with 1,123 travelers.
– Surge attributed to Pakistani traders and Chinese tourists, spurred by new facilitation measures.
The Khunjerab Pass, situated in Xinjiang, China, has experienced a remarkable rise in cross-border movement during the first six months of this year, with 21,000 travelers, reflecting a 110% increase from the previous year.
On June 11, the port achieved its highest daily clearance of 1,123 travelers, marking a new record. This significant growth is largely attributed to an influx of Pakistani traders and cross-border tourists, as reported by Chinese media on Tuesday. The Khunjerab Border Inspection Station, managed by the Xinjiang Entry-Exit Border Inspection General Station, has noted the impact of updated entry-exit management policies by the National Immigration Administration, which have introduced several traveler-friendly measures.
Pakistani merchants have been actively transporting goods such as pine nuts, herbs, copperware, carpets, and jade crafts into China for sale. They also bring back daily essentials to Pakistan.
As the only land port linking China and Pakistan, the Khunjerab Pass is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Positioned about 270 kilometers from Gilgit and 870 kilometers from Islamabad, its strategic location makes it an essential hub for international trade and cross-border tourism between the two nations.
