G-B home dept ‘illegally’ issues China border passes to non-locals

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Home Department has allegedly issued border passes to two non-local individuals for travel to China.

However, following strong protests from local traders, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration team prevented the two individuals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from travelling to China.

According to the border trade agreement between Gilgit-Baltistan and the Xinjiang autonomous region of China, only residents holding a Gilgit-Baltistan domicile are eligible for border passes. While other citizens need to obtain a proper visa to travel to China.

In a conversation with the media, the two individuals claimed that they were guests of the home secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan. They revealed that upon expressing their desire to travel to China, the home secretary facilitated the issuance of their border passes. They clarified that they were not going for trade but for tourism purposes.

Also read: G-B Chief Court stays collection of taxes at Khunjerab border

Local traders have voiced their concerns, warning that such actions could strain relations and further complicate border crossings for legitimate traders. They pointed out that there was no precedent for issuing such passes to non-residents.

Due to similar incidents, Chinese authorities have tightened regulations at the border, leading to increased difficulties for traders. The traders demanded that the Gilgit-Baltistan government investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable. HUM News English tried to contact the Gilgit-Baltistan home secretary; however, he was unreachable.