BEIJING: The Khunjerab Pass, a major trade route between China and Pakistan, will be reopened for commercial activities from April 1, 2022, according to an official notification, after remaining closed for more than two years in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

According to media reports, the Khunjerab Pass -- the border point located in Gilgit Baltistan -- was closed in November 2019 to stem the spread of coronavirus through a major trade route between the two countries. For a brief period, the pass was opened in July and September 2020 and again in November 2021, only for the transportation of the goods laded trucks that had been stranded in China.

The pass usually remains open from May to November for trade and travel activities between the two countries, China Economic Net reported on Saturday. “Chinese authorities have shared a letter with Pakistan regarding the reopening of Khunjerab Pass with us,” a Pakistani official said, adding that the border would be reopened on April 1 in accordance with the agreement signed between the two countries in May 2013.

“It is also mentioned in the letter that measures would be in place to prevent the spread of the virus,” the official said. Moreover, the Khunjerab Pass is also one of the important trading points of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The government on both sides of the Khunjerab Pass have instructed the port authorities to take all necessary measures regarding Covid-19 before the start of the arrival of goods from Pakistan and ensure the containment of the disease.

Between July 29 and August 10, 2020, the trade route was temporarily open to facilitate the transportation of the containers loaded with goods stranded in China.