China plans to reopen Khunjerab customs point on the Sino-Pakistani border on May 1, almost seven months after it was closed following the September 11 terror attacks in the United States.
Located in the western suburbs of the Tajik Autonomous County of Taxkorgan and about 3,200 meters above sea level, the point borders Sost customs point in Pakistan.
The Chinese point, which was opened to Pakistan in 1982, is normally open to goods and passengers from May 1 to December 31, but is closed due to harsh weather conditions in early part of the year. Business people and travelers from about 70 countries and regions, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States and Japan, journey through the Khunjerab Pass to China.
China closed the point on October 9 last year after the United States launched its military strike against Afghanistan, which resulted in an influx of Afghan refugees into Pakistan.
Chinese border law enforcement departments are preparing themselves for reopening the point.
(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2002)
