Pakistan and China have officially activated a long-awaited joint mechanism to manage their shared border. Officials described the move as a major development in bilateral relations and a step toward stronger cooperation on border affairs, trade, and connectivity.
The inaugural meeting of the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission took place at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Moreover, senior officials from both countries co-chaired the session and discussed future cooperation under the new framework.
The meeting was led by Li Ya, deputy director general of China’s Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, and Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, director general for China at Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Both sides emphasized the importance of institutional coordination for managing border-related matters.
Pakistan, China Expand Border Coordination Through New Framework
The Foreign Office said the commission marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-China relations. It added that the mechanism will support enhanced cooperation in border management, joint surveys, trade flows, and people-to-people connectivity.
The commission originates from the 2013 Agreement on the Boundary Management System signed during former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Islamabad. Under Article 45 of that agreement, both countries agreed to establish a joint body to oversee border management arrangements.
Commission to Oversee Border Surveys and Connectivity
The new mechanism will provide an institutional framework for addressing practical border issues. These include boundary inspections, joint surveys, boundary marker management, cross-border facilities, and incident handling.
In addition, the commission will facilitate regular coordination on matters linked to the Khunjerab crossing and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. Officials believe the framework will strengthen trade routes and improve cross-border connectivity.
The commission differs from the Joint Boundary Demarcation Commission established under the 1963 Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement. That earlier body completed its work after finalizing surveys, maps, and boundary markers, concluding the formal demarcation process.
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