Islamabad: A high-level inter-ministerial meeting was held at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad to review and advance plans for the proposed Khunjerab Tourism Corridor, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting cross-border tourism and strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The meeting was convened under the framework of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Gilgit-Baltistan Home Department, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO). Secretaries and senior officials from the participating institutions also attended the session.

The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the opening of the Khunjerab border for Chinese tourists and to examine the opportunities, requirements, and implementation strategy for facilitating cross-border tourism. Participants emphasized that the initiative would significantly strengthen Pakistan-China people-to-people ties, enhance tourism, and create new avenues for investment and regional development.

During detailed discussions, all participating institutions expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to generate substantial socio-economic benefits, stimulate local businesses, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. The meeting also explored the anticipated economic impact of the corridor and agreed on a phased implementation plan.

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Under the agreed roadmap:

Phase I (Pilot Phase): Tourism activities will initially be launched in the districts of Hunza and Nagar, extending up to the Rakaposhi Viewpoint, where tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities are already well established.

Phase II (Expansion Phase): Following the successful implementation of the pilot phase, the tourism corridor will be expanded to Gilgit, Skardu, and other districts of Gilgit-Baltistan to accommodate a larger flow of international visitors.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that the Khunjerab Tourism Corridor has the potential to become a landmark initiative for Pakistan's tourism sector by enhancing regional connectivity, encouraging foreign tourist arrivals, and contributing to long-term economic growth.

Among those representing various organizations were Aftab Rana from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC);, Raja Nazim-ul-Amin, Muhammad Raziq Dr. Ijlal, and Mahmood Malik and Mahazar Mufti,

from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI); and Captain Niaz Ahmed, Zahid Hussain, Mubarak Hussain, Sadruddin, Sajid Mehmood, and Nazim Ullah Baig from the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO). In addition, senior secretaries and officials from all participating ministries and institutions attended the meeting.