ISLAMABAD: Trade activity between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass is gaining momentum, with exports to China and Central Asian states increasing this year.
According to Shahid Jan, 1,774 consignments imported from China have been cleared at Sost Dry Port so far this year. He stated that Pakistan Customs collected Rs10.16 billion in revenue from these consignments, marking a record despite last year’s 70-day closure caused by protests from Gilgit-Baltistan traders.
Meanwhile, trade with Central Asian countries under the TIR Convention has continued smoothly via the Khunjerab route. Officials noted that this corridor is increasingly being used for regional connectivity and cargo movement.
Additionally, Ashfaq Ahmed highlighted a shift in import patterns, with electric vehicles and specialised mining and agricultural machinery now entering Pakistan through Khunjerab instead of Karachi. This change reflects growing reliance on the northern trade route.
Furthermore, exports of Pakistani goods, including oranges, mangoes, cherries, chilgoza, mushrooms, herbs, rice, tea, and dried apricots, have risen significantly. At the same time, shipments from other countries destined for Central Asia are being rerouted through Khunjerab and onward via China, replacing earlier transit routes through Afghanistan.
