In a surprising turn of events, the Chinese government has declared the closure of Khunjerab Pass – trade route between China & Pakistan for a four-month period during the winter, contradicting the commitment made merely a month ago to keep the high-altitude route operational throughout the year. The announcement, issued by the Khunjerab Port management in China’s Xinjiang region on Saturday, states that the pass will be inaccessible from December to March.
This decision appears to deviate from the joint press statement released on October 20, following a meeting between Pakistan caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Third Belt and Road International Cooperation Summit Forum in Beijing. The earlier statement explicitly affirmed the year-round functionality of Khunjerab Pass.
The notice further stipulates that, in accordance with the “Port Entry and Exit Management Measures,” both nations must engage in diplomatic negotiations to amend and reaffirm the agreement on border ports and management systems for the continuous operation of Khunjerab Pass. China’s State Port Management Office will actively seek approval for the year-round accessibility of Khunjerab Port from pertinent authorities.
Until an official notice is issued by China’s State Port Management Office, Khunjerab Port will adhere to the customary seasonal customs clearance, leading to the pass’s closure from December to March. However, provisions have been made for exceptional circumstances, allowing Xinjiang’s Khunjerab Port management to request a temporary reopening of the pass.
Khunjerab Pass, situated at a formidable altitude of 15,500 feet above sea level, serves as a crucial link connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang region. Despite the border protocol agreement signed in 1985, facilitating travel and trade between April and November, the closure during winter due to heavy snowfall poses challenges for both commerce and commuting.
In the aftermath of the initial snowfall this season, which has already covered the road with up to six inches of snow, travelers have voiced grievances about the lack of authorities present to address the situation. Imtiaz Hussain, a recent traveler through Khunjerab Pass, lamented the absence of effective traffic management, leading to prolonged delays for vehicles carrying goods and passengers.
As concerns grow over the implications of this unexpected closure, stakeholders await further developments in diplomatic channels to clarify the circumstances surrounding China’s decision.
