Bilateral trade between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass has increased significantly this year [1, 2].
The growth marks a critical step in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. By strengthening this high-altitude link between Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang, both nations aim to reduce reliance on sea routes and stabilize economic ties.
Trade Minister Moeed Yusuf said bilateral trade through the pass has grown by over 30% compared with the previous year [1]. Yusuf said the increase reflects the deepening economic partnership between the two countries [1].
To sustain this momentum, the Pakistani government is working to eliminate seasonal closures caused by harsh weather. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said the government is converting the Khunjerab Pass into an all-weather border to facilitate uninterrupted trade between Pakistan and China [2].
The Khunjerab Pass serves as the primary land gateway for goods moving between the two nations. While the increase in volume suggests economic integration, the region remains subject to geographical and political challenges. Reports indicate that an uprising in Gilgit-Baltistan could potentially disrupt these border activities [3].
Despite these risks, the push for year-round connectivity remains a priority for trade officials. The transition to an all-weather crossing would allow for a steady flow of cargo trucks along the Karakoram Highway, removing the traditional winter bottlenecks that have historically limited the volume of land-based commerce [1, 2].
“Bilateral trade through the Khunjerab Pass has grown by over 30% compared with the previous year”
The expansion of trade through the Khunjerab Pass signals a strategic shift toward land-based logistics for CPEC. If Pakistan successfully converts the pass into an all-weather crossing, it reduces the vulnerability of the supply chain to seasonal climate shifts. However, the contradiction between trade growth and reported unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan suggests that the economic gains remain fragile and dependent on regional security.
