Khunjerab Pass Generates Record Rs15 Billion in Customs Revenue

Pakistan Customs has achieved a record-breaking Rs15 billion in revenue from imports originating from China via the Khunjerab Pass during the fiscal year 2025-26. This figure represents a significant increase from the Rs13.67 billion collected in the previous fiscal year (FY25), highlighting the growing trade volume through this crucial border crossing.

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Rs14.93bn in revenue was collected on imports through the Khunjerab Pass at the Sost Dry Port during FY26.

Wajid Ali, Pakistan Customs Collector for Gilgit-Baltistan, confirmed that the Sost Dry Port processed imports generating Rs14.93 billion in revenue during FY26. Beyond imports, the Khunjerab Pass also facilitated a notable increase in exports. Goods valued at Rs2.8 billion were exported from Pakistan to China and Central Asian nations under the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) system during the last fiscal year.

The range of exported items is diverse, including surgical goods, artificial beads, brass decorations, garments, rice, cotton printed sheets, leather jackets, carpets, pinnets, potatoes, oranges, milk cream, baskets, motorcycle parts, juice machines, and various handicrafts. Ali stated that business activities at the Khunjerab Pass are thriving, with enhanced checks and examinations of imported goods from China. He also noted that the smuggling of contraband items from China has been effectively controlled through a joint mechanism operated by Pakistan Customs and the Facilitation Mechanism team.

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Business activities through the Khunjerab Pass were in full swing.

However, local traders have voiced concerns about difficulties encountered when exporting Pakistani products to China. They cited unnecessary restrictions and complex procedures at Chinese immigration authorities as significant hurdles. These traders are urging Pakistani authorities to engage with their Chinese counterparts to seek a relaxation of these entry requirements. Meanwhile, Pakistan Customs and the Facilitation Mechanisms Team have successfully recovered smuggled goods worth billions of rupees, with Rs72.9 million worth of confiscated items auctioned at the Sost Dry Port. Recent operations have foiled attempts to smuggle smartphones, Chinese wine, and pork meat into Pakistan from China.

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Exports of Pakistani products to China and Central Asian countries had increased.