Trade Volume Expands Through Pak-China Border at Khunjerab Pass

GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Trade activity through the Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab Pass has witnessed a significant increase, reflecting strengthening economic ties and growing access for Pakistani products to international markets.

According to Pakistan Customs officials, a record Rs15 billion in revenue was collected from imports from China through Khunjerab Pass during the fiscal year 2025-26. The figure represents an increase from Rs13.67 billion collected during the previous fiscal year.

During the same period, Pakistani goods worth around Rs2.8 billion were exported to China and Central Asian countries through the border crossing.

Officials said Pakistani exports have increased significantly under the Transport International Routes (TIR) system, an international framework designed to make cross-border trade faster, safer and more efficient.

The exported products included surgical equipment, garments, rice, leather goods, carpets, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts, highlighting the growing diversity of Pakistani products reaching regional and international markets.

Authorities have also strengthened inspection procedures for imported goods at Khunjerab Pass and improved measures to prevent smuggling through coordinated customs and border-control mechanisms.

The rise in trade activity is being viewed as an important development for Pakistan’s regional connectivity and export sector. Increased commercial movement through the Khunjerab corridor could provide Pakistani businesses with greater opportunities to access markets in China and Central Asia.

The development also underscores the strategic importance of the Pakistan-China trade route in promoting bilateral economic cooperation and expanding Pakistan’s presence in regional markets.