July 1, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 30, 1424

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GILGIT, June 30: The Pakistan-China border will be opened for trade and tourism on Tuesday at 12 noon, an official told Dawn late Monday night.

The interior ministry officials through a fax message late Monday issued directives to the local administration to take necessary steps for opening the Khunjerab border with China on July 1, the Northern Areas home secretary, Saeed Ahmed Khan said.

“I have directed all the doctors, immigration, customs and FIA personnel to proceed to Sost checkpost, about 170km off here and ensure opening of the border by 12pm on Tuesday”, the home secretary said.

Mr Khan, who is also the Northern Areas information secretary, said they had received high quality masks, oxygen cylinders, ECG machines, x-ray equipment and other equipment to meet any eventuality of Sars virus at Sost border.

“I along with the Northern Areas chief secretary and health officials have confirmed the quarantine arrangements to check the Sars suspects and the quarantine centres have been set up at the FIA barracks at Sost”, Mr Khan added.

He said the decision was taken in view of the mounting pressure from the traders for its opening.