The Khunjerab Pass, a major trade route between Pakistan and China, has been reopened after a closure of almost three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

The Chinese authorities have written a letter to Pakistani officials regarding the reopening of the pass for trade, the official sources told APP.

The port authorities on the Chinese side of Khunjerab Pass have been instructed to take all necessary measures regarding COVID-19 before the arrival of goods begins from Pakistan.

Similarly, Pakistani border authorities have also been instructed to take all measures regarding COVID-19, ensuring the containment of the virus. This year, the last temporary opening lasted for 12 days between January 30 and February 10 while the first port opening was between January 19 and 20 this year.

The two temporary openings facilitated 128 cross-border personnel visits, 328 transportation vehicle passes, and more than 6,000 tons of goods exported, as per the foreign affairs office of Kashgar prefecture, reported APP.

It is believed that the reopening of the border crossing will help boost economic activities between the two neighbouring countries.

Prior to the opening of the border, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his pleasure over the reopening of Khunjerab Pass, saying it would help increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.

The development would boost trade with 'Iron brother China', the PM Office said in an official statement.

Earlier, the closure of the border resulted in huge losses for Pakistani traders leading them to start protests in Islamabad, reported Pakistan Today.

Image courtesy: The Express Tribune