The Khunjerab Pass: Opening New Horizons For Trade And Connectivity – OpEd

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In a historic move that will reshape regional trade and cooperation, the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world, has been officially opened for year-round operations.

This development, announced by Pakistan’s Foreign Office and confirmed by China’s agreement, marks a significant milestone in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthens the bond between these two nations. Effective from December 1, 2024, the Khunjerab-Sost border crossing will no longer be bound by its former seasonal limitations and will facilitate uninterrupted trade and travel, irrespective of the harsh winter weather conditions.

A Gateway of Strategic Importance

The decision to keep the Khunjerab Pass operational year-round is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the China-Pakistan relationship. This move reflects shared goals for mutual prosperity, sustainable development, and regional stability. According to Zulkafil Hassan Khan, president of the Society of International Relations & Law in Islamabad, this is “a milestone in the land connectivity between two ironclad brothers,” referring to the enduring alliance between China and Pakistan. The Khunjerab Pass, by allowing continuous movement of goods and people, strengthens the CPEC’s role as a linchpin of economic growth in the region.

Located at nearly 16,000 feet above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass connects Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region with China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It serves as an essential corridor under the CPEC, an initiative that symbolizes the ambitious economic partnership between China and Pakistan, with over $65 billion pledged for infrastructure projects. For years, the pass was open only from April to November, closing from December to March due to heavy snowfall, which often left the road six inches deep in snow. This seasonal closure limited cross-border trade and travel, hindering economic growth and regional connectivity.

The recent decision to keep the pass operational throughout the year will not only bolster bilateral trade but will also have profound effects on the wider region. The Khunjerab Pass is not just a passage but a strategic trade hub that integrates Central Asia, South Asia, and even Europe. Its year-round operation will stimulate economic activity, create new job opportunities, and encourage cultural exchanges, further linking Pakistan and China with the Central Asian states such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

What This Means for Trade and Commerce

The implications of this development are far-reaching. According to data from the Khunjerab Customs, over 50,000 passengers and 40,900 metric tons of cargo moved through the pass between April 1 and October 31, marking a 72.7% increase in trade volume compared to the previous year. The decision to extend operations year-round is expected to continue this upward trajectory and open new markets for goods such as machinery, textiles, electronics, and food products.

For local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan, this move is especially significant. More than 20,000 people, including traders and laborers, depend on this border for their livelihoods. Muhammad Iqbal, president of the GB Importers and Exporters Association, expressed optimism about the economic boost that year-round operations would bring. “This decision will help boost import and export trade and commerce between Pakistan and China,” he said, highlighting the potential for increased regional trade activity. Similarly, Imran Ali, president of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chamber of Commerce, noted that this move would open “new avenues of development,” leading to greater prosperity for locals and businesses alike.

This change comes with a commitment from both governments to maintain essential services throughout the winter months. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), National Highway Authority (NHA), and Pakistan Customs have been tasked with ensuring that operations at the pass remain seamless, regardless of weather challenges. Additionally, comprehensive infrastructure improvements have been made, including the installation of central heating systems for officials and traders to maintain comfort during the harsh winter conditions.

Expanding Connectivity and Regional Integration

The Khunjerab Pass is more than just a trade route; it is a symbol of the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China. The year-round operation of this border crossing signifies a broader commitment to regional stability and development. Moiz Farooq, executive editor at Pakistan Economic Net, stated that this move would “enhance connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges” between the two nations and beyond. As a critical node in the CPEC, the pass is poised to play an increasingly vital role in facilitating trade across Central Asia and linking the region to global supply chains.

The pass also supports broader strategic objectives. Bai Zhijun, director and producer of the documentary “From Xi’an to Gwadar Port,” emphasized that the Khunjerab Pass and the Karakoram Highway serve as “important channels of trade, communication, and exchanges” that benefit not just Pakistan and China, but also Central Asia and beyond. The seamless operation of this gateway will foster greater regional integration and open the door to potential economic partnerships with countries in South Asia and Central Asia.

Socio-Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass is set to enhance not only economic prospects but also the social fabric of the region. By facilitating uninterrupted trade and travel, this development will create more opportunities for people-to-people interactions, which are crucial for cultural understanding and long-term peace. Haseeb Iftikhar, a tour operator, remarked that the “year-round opening of the border will promote tourism and uplift the local economy.” Tourism, often intertwined with trade, will likely see a spike as more travelers are able to visit the region year-round, contributing to local businesses and creating new employment opportunities.

Local leaders, such as Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, have expressed their commitment to ensuring smooth operations at the border, including snow clearing and infrastructure maintenance. The addition of year-round operations will further enhance the region’s strategic position and economic health, attracting investment and facilitating the growth of local industries. This is particularly significant for the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which has long sought to increase its economic footprint and connectivity with neighboring areas.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the excitement, challenges remain. While the year-round operation is a promising development, concerns have been raised regarding the readiness of facilities on the Pakistani side. As Ahsan, an importer and exporter, pointed out, there is some apprehension about whether the infrastructure can adequately support winter operations. Effective management and continued investment in facilities and services will be crucial to ensuring that the full potential of this development is realized.

The path forward will require sustained collaboration between Pakistan and China, as well as the active participation of regional stakeholders. But if managed well, the Khunjerab Pass’s transition to a year-round border will be a powerful driver of growth, cooperation, and prosperity for the region.

In conclusion, the Khunjerab Pass’s new year-round operations represent more than a logistical shift; they symbolize a broader vision for economic integration and development. As the gateway to the CPEC and a crucial link to Central Asia, its expansion marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the region’s history.

Waleed Sami

Waleed Sami is a postgraduate student of Strategic Studies from the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), a school of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. Waleed completed his bachelor's from the National Defence University Islamabad (NDU) in International Relations. Waleed is also a research intern at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and served as a junior researcher at the South Asia Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) and a research intern at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

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