Stakeholders Urge Opening of Pak-China Border, Pitch ‘Kartarpur-Style’ Tourism Corridor

ISLAMABAD – In a concerted push to unlock the economic potential of Pakistan’s premier tourist destination, a coalition of trade and tourism bodies has formally urged the federal government to open the Pak-China land border to international visitors. Warning that the region’s tourism-dependent economy is operating well below capacity, stakeholders proposed the creation of a dedicated cross-border Tourism Corridor—modeled on the Kartarpur Corridor—during high-level meetings with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and federal officials this week.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Hunza Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries, seeks to tap into the vast but largely untapped market of Chinese tourists. Representatives from the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO), the Gilgit-Baltistan Association of Tour Operators (GBATO), the Gilgit-Baltistan Hotel Association, the Alpine Club of Pakistan, and the FPCCI President’s Advisor on Trade & Tourism participated in an urgent session with PTDC Managing Director Mr. Aftab Rana to formalize the strategy.

With approximately 90% of Gilgit-Baltistan’s population directly or indirectly dependent on tourism, stakeholders emphasized that facilitating cross-border movement is not merely a matter of hospitality but of economic survival and regional prosperity.

Following the initial meeting, a joint delegation—including Raja Nazimul Amin (FPCCI), Nazimullah Baig (Hunza Chamber Foreign Trade), Mubarak Hussain (President, Hunza Chamber), Col. Zahid Hussain, Muhammad Iqbal (BATO), and Ms. Humaira Khan (Ambassador for Pakistan & Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism in Canada)—presented a formal proposal to Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination.

The delegation advocated for the introduction of a special permit system for Chinese tourists, streamlining entry procedures to mirror successful cross-border frameworks such as the Kartarpur Corridor and the Rahdari system between Iran and Balochistan. As a practical first step, the group recommended launching the initiative as a pilot project in Hunza Valley, with plans for expansion contingent on its success.

In a swift response, Federal Secretary Wani forwarded the proposal to the Prime Minister’s Office and other relevant authorities for consideration.

“Opening this border is about more than just tourism—it is about restoring livelihoods, generating foreign exchange, and positioning Pakistan as a premier destination for our largest neighbor,” said a spokesperson for the Hunza Chamber. “We are grateful for the Secretary’s prompt action and remain hopeful for a decision that will transform the economic landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan.”

The delegation expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly enhance regional economic activity while strengthening Pakistan’s global image as a welcoming and strategically connected tourism hub.