Extension of operations of the Khunjerab Pass, a land port on the China-Pakistan border, to round the year will provide a major boost to trade and commerce between the two neighbors and will also benefit the wider region, experts said.

As the mountain pass, a vital gateway in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), commenced year-round operations starting Dec 1, against the earlier arrangement of being kept open for only for 8 months in a year, it is expected that Sino-Pakistani economic ties will get a significant bump and support CPEC’s advancement to a new phase, they said.

Zulkafil Hassan Khan, president of the Society of International Relations & Law in Islamabad, Pakistan, and director of the Pak-China Corridor of Knowledge, said a giant step has been taken in respect to the Khunjerab Pass.

READ MORE: 'Deeper cooperation expected' between China and Pakistan

“It is indeed a milestone in the land connectivity between two ironclad brothers, facilitating bilateral trade, commerce and, of course, uplifting of the local communities,” he said, referring to the Dec 1 start of year-round operations of the cross-border land port.

Khunjerab Port is a crucial gateway for CPEC. Experts noted that it serves as a vital strategic hub along the Karakoram Highway, seamlessly connecting China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region with Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. The mountain pass has ensured smoother and more efficient transportation of goods like machinery and textiles in the region.

Located approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass is a major trade station between China and Pakistan, and an important gateway to South Asia and Europe. However, due to high altitude and harsh weather conditions, it was previously open only from April to November, closing from December to March.

In the past, it remained closed during the winter season, Khan noted. “Now, it is hoped that the year-round opening of the border would improve the region’s economy and encourage people-to-people contacts and accelerate regional connectivity in the days to come,” he said.

Moiz Farooq, executive editor of Pakistan Economic Net and Daily Ittehad Media Group, said the decision to make the Khunjerab Pass operational year-round is a landmark move that highlights the enduring strength of China-Pakistan ties.

“This significant development (will) enhance connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations,” he said. “As a critical gateway linking China and Pakistan with South Asia and beyond, the Khunjerab Pass will play an even greater role in advancing the goals of the CPEC.”

According to him, the impressive figures reported by Khunjerab Customs — that over 50,000 passengers, 11,000 vehicles, and 40,900 metric tons of cargo were handled at the border port this year — demonstrate the immense potential of this vital trade route. With trade volume up 72.7 percent year-on-year, the year-round operation is set to further boost economic activity, facilitate cultural exchanges, and strengthen regional integration.

The Khunjerab Pass is more than a land port — it is a symbol of friendship and cooperation, Farooq added. Flagging off continuous operation reflects the commitment of both nations to work together for mutual prosperity and enhanced connectivity, paving the way for greater regional stability and development, he said.

“This decision is a testament to the shared vision of China and Pakistan to overcome challenges such as high-altitude and harsh weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted collaboration,” Farooq added. “It underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure in fostering economic resilience and growth.”

Since the resumption of passenger customs clearance on April 1 this year, the Khunjerab Pass has recorded over 50,000 inbound and outbound passengers so far, according to the Khunjerab Customs.

Imran Khalid, an international affairs commentator and freelancer based in Karachi, Pakistan, said the recent decision to keep the Khunjerab Pass open year-round is a game-changer for trade and tourism in the region. “Historically, the pass was only accessible from April to November due to harsh winter conditions, limiting cross-border trade and travel,” he said.

READ MORE: China, Pakistan to enhance connectivity of Gwadar Port

Year-round operations will enhance Pakistan's role as a regional trade hub, linking Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe through improved connectivity, and also help promote cultural exchanges and tourism while stabilizing supply chains for both China and Pakistan, he added.

“Overall, this strategic move strengthens economic ties, supports CPEC objectives, and integrates the region into broader transcontinental trade network.”

Bai Zhijun, the director and producer of the documentary ‘From Xi’an to Gwadar Port’, which was launched in October on Pakistani state TV to celebrate the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan, said that as strategic points of the CPEC projects, the Khunjerab Pass and the Karakoram Highway serve as important channels of trade, communication and exchanges for neighboring countries, particularly Central Asia, which can benefit from the open ports and accesses.

Xinhua contributed to the story.

Contact the writer at vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com