Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has announced that efforts are underway to resume the bus service between Pakistan and China over the Khunjerab Pass. The aim is to provide Pakistani students with affordable travel to China. Iqbal revealed that they have asked Chinese authorities to restore the bus service on this route, and he believes that Pakistani students studying in China would greatly benefit from it.
During his meeting with Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Iqbal discussed the Khunjerab Border’s opening throughout the year and the resumption of bus services between China and Pakistan. In a tweet, he noted that the move would boost commerce, people-to-people interaction, and economic transportation for students. Iqbal also met Pakistani professionals and students studying in China at the Pakistan embassy in Beijing, praising them for their significant contributions to the nation’s development.
Iqbal said the reopening of the Khunjerab Pass after three years was a crucial development. He expressed happiness and certainty that commerce between the two countries would restart via the land route. He hoped that both sides would enhance the border facilities at Khunjerab so that it could become an all-weather facility and operate all year round.
When asked about the impact of the opening of the border crossing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral commerce, Iqbal said it was excellent news for the CPEC projects. It is also fantastic news for business, particularly for Gilgit-Baltistan residents, who will benefit considerably from local trade through this border post. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity for bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.
The resumption of the bus service between Pakistan and China is a significant development that will not only facilitate students’ travel but also enhance trade and people-to-people interaction. The Khunjerab Pass’s reopening will boost commerce and provide an economic transportation option to students. It is hoped that both sides will work together to enhance the border facilities and operate it all year round. The reopening of the border crossing is excellent news for CPEC projects, local businesses, and bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.
