GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly unanimously passed a resolution welcoming re-opening of Pakistan-China trade via Khunjerab pass from April and termed it a positive step to increase trade, people to people contact between the two neighbouring countries.

Opposition leader in GB assembly Amjad Hussain Advocate tabled a resolution in the 17th session of GB Assembly on Friday evening. Speaker Syed Amjad Ali Zaidi chaired the session.

The resolution said this house of Gilgit-Baltistan assembly extends felicitations and applauds the decision of the Pakistan government and China to open Pakistan-China border through Khunjerab pass for trade.

The resolution said the reopening of the Khunjerab Pass will strengthen friendship of both the countries and will definitely provide economic opportunities to the local population on both sides of the border.

The resolution said that this house unanimously demands to remove trade barriers for provision of free trade opportunities to the people of both the countries.

The resolution also paid tributes to the authorities of both the countries, especially Minister pf Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for playing role for reopening of the border.

The GB Assembly passed another resolution with majority vote, changing Jugulote-Skardu Road name as Shahrah-i-Baltistan.

The resolution tabled by GB Assembly member Ghulam Shahzad Agha from Skardu.

The resolution said the only trade and travel route of Baltistan division has been named Jugulote-Skardu Road without consent of local people.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2023