China Celebrates National Day at Khunjerab Top

News Desk

GILGIT: The 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China is celebrated at Khunjerab Top, the highest border crossing between Pakistan and China, from October 1 to October 5.

This year’s festivities occur amid a temporary suspension of trade and travel through the Khunjerab Pass, coinciding with China’s National Day holiday.

A flag-raising ceremony took place on the Chinese side of Khunjerab Top, near the border-crossing gate to Xinjiang province. Thousands of attendees, including officials from Xinjiang and citizens from various parts of China, gathered to witness the event.

Despite the cold winds and dropping temperatures, the ceremony featured a Chinese border police flag-guard contingent raising the iconic five-starred red flag.

This celebration not only highlights the significance of China’s National Day but also underscores the ongoing cultural and economic ties between Pakistan and China.

The Khunjerab Pass serves as a vital link for trade and tourism, and the temporary closure raises questions about the impact on local economies reliant on cross-border exchanges.

Looking ahead, the resumption of trade and travel through the Khunjerab Pass is anticipated post-holiday, with stakeholders eager to restore normalcy.

The event also sets the stage for future collaborations between the two nations, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).