GILGIT: The Khunjerab border was on Monday opened to allow transportation of goods containers from China to Pakistan.

According to a letter sent by the ministry of foreign affairs to the Gilgit-Baltistan government, Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has asked the government of Pakistan to open the border from the Pakistan side only with strict implementation of the standard operating procedures against coronavirus.

Hunza deputy commissioner Fiaz Ahmed confirmed that the foreign affairs ministry had asked for opening the Khunjerab pass. He said the trade would be only from the Chinese side, adding goods transportation from Pakistan won’t be allowed by now.

DC Fiaz Ahmed said resumption of trade from both the sides could resume if the Covid-19 situation improved. He said a meeting would be held with the authorities in the Xinjiang province at the Khunjerab top to finalise modalities for opening the border.

He said Chinese containers loaded with goods would be dropped at the pass on the Pakistan side, which would then be hooked to the Sost dry through cranes. He said there would be no person to person contact during the handling of the goods as the job would be done by machines.

Under the protocol agreement signed between the two countries, trade and travel activities through Khunjerab pass continue from April to December.

However, the Covid-19 emergency has forced its closure since November 2019.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2021