Historic Milestone: Khunjerab Pass Witnesses Record-Breaking Cross-Border Traffic

By Web Editor Last updated Jul 9, 2024

In a testament to the flourishing economic partnership between Pakistan and China, the Khunjerab Pass has achieved a remarkable milestone, with a staggering 110% year-on-year increase in cross-border traffic in the first half of 2024. A record-breaking 21,000 travelers crossed the border, with a single-day peak of 1,123 people on June 11.

Strategically located as the sole land port between China and Pakistan, Khunjerab Pass plays a vital role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. Its advantageous geography, situated 270 kilometers from Gilgit and 870 kilometers from Islamabad, makes it an indispensable conduit for international trade and cross-border tourism.

Pakistani merchants are actively leveraging this crucial trade route, exporting goods like pine nuts, herbs, and jade crafts to China, while importing essential items. The optimized entry-exit policies have further facilitated travel, fueling enthusiasm among Chinese travelers. This unprecedented surge in cross-border traffic at Khunjerab Pass symbolizes the strengthening bond between Pakistan and China, paving the way for a brighter future in trade and tourism.