Gilgit-Kashgar Bus Service Resumes After 14 years

Gilgit-Kashgar Bus Service Resumes After 14 years

Gilgit: Based on studies on October 7, the Northern Areas Transport Company (NATCO) has granted authority from the Ministry of Communications to renew its Gilgit-Kashgar bus service after a 14-year hiatus.

Based on particulars, operations had been suspended after landslides in 2010 brought about flooding of Attabad Lake and key sections of the Karakoram Freeway (KKH). The cross-border route is operated by NATCO in partnership with Xinjiang Kashgar Xinlu Transport Co., Ltd. of China. It goals to strengthen commerce and tourism ties between Pakistan and China. The resumption of bus providers is a part of the China-Pakistan Financial Hall (CPEC) initiative to strengthen bilateral relations.

The Ministry of Transport issued a No Objection Certificates (NOC) on September 30, 2024, authorizing NATCO to formally signal the settlement with its Chinese language counterparts. NATCO spokesperson Ehsan Shah confirmed that the bus providers are anticipated to renew quickly. Remaining changes to the 2006 settlement are underway and a proper signing ceremony is deliberate.

The reinstatement of the Gilgit-Kashgar bus service is meant to reinforce tourism and commerce between Pakistan and China, additional bettering hyperlinks between the 2 adjoining nations underneath the China-Pakistan Financial Hall.

This reactivation would hyperlink the picturesque Gilgit-Baltistan space to Kashgar, a significant buying and selling hub, bettering regional connectivity and financial potentialities.

As soon as restored, the service would join the attractive space of Gilgit-Baltistan with Kashgar, a significant commerce hub in Xinjiang, China, making journey simpler for each locals and guests.

DO READ 

Gilgit-Baltistan Receives File Vacationer Income in FY 2023–2024