The Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) has officially received approval from the Federal Ministry of Communications to resume its bus service between Gilgit and Kashgar, China, after a 14-year hiatus. This cross-border bus service was suspended in 2010 due to a natural disaster that disrupted the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
The suspension was caused by a massive landslide that led to the formation of Attabad Lake, submerging a 14-kilometer section of the highway.
The resumption of this vital transport route is a collaborative effort between NATCO, a government-owned company in Gilgit-Baltistan, and Xinjiang-Kashgar Xin Lu Transportation Co Ltd, a Chinese transportation company. The restored bus service is expected to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and China, boosting tourism and trade in the region.
This development comes under the broader umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), further strengthening ties between the two neighboring nations.
On September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Communications issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), giving NATCO the go-ahead to sign an agreement with its Chinese counterpart to restart the service. The ministry’s letter emphasized that the decision aligns with the agreements made during the Second Meeting of the Xinjiang-Pakistan Economic and Trade Cooperation Working Group. The ministry also instructed NATCO to submit the final agreement for official record-keeping.
According to NATCO spokesperson Ehsan Shah, the bus service is expected to be launched before the seasonal closure of the Khunjerab Pass in December. Shah mentioned that some modifications to the 2006 agreement are being worked on, and a formal signing ceremony is anticipated in the coming weeks.
The reintroduction of the Gilgit-Kashgar bus service will reconnect the scenic Gilgit-Baltistan region with Kashgar, a major trade hub in Xinjiang, China.
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What security arrangements will be made for the bus service considering the current security situation in the country?
Given the current security situation in the country, enhanced security measures will be implemented for the bus service. These include increased surveillance, the presence of security personnel at key stops, and regular vehicle inspections. Passenger screenings may also be conducted to ensure safety. We are committed to providing a secure and reliable transportation experience for all passengers using our bus service.