Traditionally, the old Khunjerab Pass was a seasonal commerce artery at hight 3,000 meters in the snowcapped Karakoram Range, however, now it is the region’s most important artery of commerce and connectivity. It is an important strategic step in China-Pakistan relations transforming it into an all-weather friend under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that would open an unprecedented economic potential. This high-altitude pass, battered trade almost for half the year, is now a vital part of cross border collaboration. The Khunjerab Pass serves more than just a trade conduit, it is a high point in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is in fact the gateway between South Asian geopolitics.

Trade volume between Pakistan and China has risen once it re-opened as more than 1,271 commercial vehicles crossed the border and carried goods worth $95.26 million within months

The pass has generated some concrete economic dividends from a year-round operation. Trade volume between Pakistan and China has risen once it re-opened as more than 1,271 commercial vehicles crossed the border and carried goods worth $95.26 million within months. This is an illustration depicting the change from the Karakoram Highway from a rugged mountain path to a trade route. The pass time of goods from Karachi to Kashgar now takes eight days, thus eight times it saves in transportation time from previous 25–30 days’ timescale allowed by maritime shipping. This has made land transport an efficient proposition, especially for high value or perishable goods, which allows Pakistani exporters to do their business globally with better flexibility.

Modernization of farm logistics has been achieved through the import of 25 domestically manufactured tractor trucks worth $1.5 million that in turn enhanced productivity and supply chain resilience

Immediately, Pakistan’s agricultural sector has benefited. Modernization of farm logistics has been achieved through the import of 25 domestically manufactured tractor trucks worth $1.5 million that in turn enhanced productivity and supply chain resilience. At the same time, the export of 3,036.46 tons of agricultural products through the pass indicates Pakistani agri business interest in Chinese markets.

Beyond commerce, the Khunjerab Pass fosters human connectivity. Deepening cultural and business ties, more than 3,962 travelers—entrepreneurs, tourists and professionals—have used the border to cross this year. Such mobility is essential to Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the historically marginalized regions now connected to transnational trading networks, and to Xinjiang. Investment in tourism, logistics and energy attracts greater accessibility improving the balance of industrial development between the regions. This connectivity suits well to Pakistan, which is looking forward to becoming a trade nexus to connect China with 20 other countries in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The pass insulates Pakistan’s economy from geopolitics by diversifying trade lanes and reducing dependence on Southern congested ports

One of the pass’s upgrades is emblematic of the BRI’s aspiration to integrate its infrastructure with its economic diplomacy. It is a key CPEC node for China to get access to the Arabian Sea and for Pakistan to have a lifeline in global economic volatility. Reliable overland routes help to push energy projects, industrial zones and digital infrastructure of CPEC portfolio amounting to $65 billion into positive momentum. Furthermore, the pass insulates Pakistan’s economy from geopolitics by diversifying trade lanes and reducing dependence on Southern congested ports.

China’s infusion of the technological prowess into its high-altitude infrastructure is also noteworthy. Heated tunnels, avalanche control systems – all of which had to workday in and day out at 4,693 meters year-round. This kind of advancement makes for supply chain reliability, especially in the industries where they rely on just in time deliveries like automotive and pharmaceuticals.

The plan of Pakistan to modernize border facilities, automated customs, expanded warehousing and streamlined clearance protocols will further enhance efficiency

The plan of Pakistan to modernize border facilities, automated customs, expanded warehousing and streamlined clearance protocols will further enhance efficiency. Such upgrades and digital tracked systems could make the pass as much as 20% faster than air and sea freight, making the pass even more competitive.

Regional stability is also important for the pass’s success. It makes socio-economic interdependence grow and makes soft historical tensions soften especially in the areas of contest. Stakeholders begin to take an interest in peace for more reasons than just self-preservation and thus create a cycle of prosperity and security that feeds on itself.

Finally, one can rejoice at the donkey work of visionary geopolitics and engineering tenacity that made the Khunjerab pass a year round operation. This enables Pakistan to stand on the cusp of continental trade to get away from geographical and seasonal restrictions and establishes an era of economic strength and industrial fall in line. The pass will continue acting as a bedrock in Asia’s economic landscape as the nations’ relationship becomes more intertwined.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.