ISLAMABAD: The public traffic, trade and tourism activities as likely to be affected as the Khunjerab border, a vital land link between Pakistan and China, has been officially closed.

Under a bilateral agreement, the route has been closed by both sides for the next four months.

Effective from November 30, the closure will remain in place until March 30, 2025, as both countries prepare for harsh winter conditions in the region.

Khunjerab Pass, situated at an altitude of approximately 15,500 feet above sea level experiences heavy snowfall and extreme weather during winter, making transportation and trade activities challenging.

The two countries under a mutual agreement seasonally operate Khunjerab border annually from April 1 to November 30 to facilitate trade, tourism, and public traffic. During the ongoing year, the border was closed a day earlier due to regular weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday.

The Khunjerab border is expected to reopen next year on April 1, 2025.