Beijing: More than 100 Pakistani traders and cargo vehicles have been stranded in China, as efforts to make the Pak-China border operational year-round have failed.
The border passes of the stranded traders expired yesterday, leaving them unable to proceed. Meanwhile, no arrangements have been made to clear snow from the Karakoram Highway at Khunjerab Pass, which sits at an altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level. The heavy snow has caused severe disruptions to vehicular movement.
China had previously announced plans to keep the Pak-China border open throughout the year. However, due to the lack of snow-clearing and essential facilities on the Pakistani side of the Karakoram Highway, maintaining year-round access during the harsh winter months remains unfeasible.
