GILGIT: The transportation of goods, originating from China onwards to Dubai via Pakistan, star­ted on Saturday, according to officials.

The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has launched the Multimodal Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) service linking China to the UAE via the Khunjerab Pass.

The TIR, a global transit system, allows for sealed cargo to be shipped from a country of origin to the destination in sealed load compartments, which do not require manual inspection by customs authorities during transit.

The first shipment arri­ved from Kashgar, China, to Sost via the Khunjerab Pass. The cargo has been sent to Gawadar from where it will be shipped to the UAE.

A ceremony was held in Sost, Hunza, to mark the arrival of the first container from China.

NLC launches TIR system with first consignment through Khunjerab

The event was attended by Customs Assistant Col­lector Sost Imtiaz Shigri, representatives of Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar chambers of commerce, traders, customs and NLC officials.

The NLC said the successful launch of the multimodal TIR service, linking China to the UAE via Pakistan, would boost regional connectivity.

The initiative underscores Pakistan’s “importance as a transit hub”, officials said.

The TIR system is globally recognised for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness as it enables seamless movement of goods across borders with minimal customs intervention.

The integration of Pakistan with the multilateral trade framework would position the country as a crucial corridor for regional trade and economic integration, Mr Shigri, the Customs assistant collector, said while addressing the event.

He added Pakistan would explore markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Europe through the TIR system.

“Khunjerab Pass is a gateway for transit trade. CPEC trade also passes through this route, and it is a historical achie­vement for Pakistan.”

In future, TIR shipment flow will increase the volume of trade through the Khunjerab Pass, he added.

This will help achieve the purpose of CPEC, and it will economically benefit the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, said Mr Shigri.

An NLC official explained a multimodal solution means the use of land and sea to ship goods. He said Central Asian countries already trade with Afghanistan through the Khunjerab Pass. “It is NLC’s vision to make this operation global.”

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.