Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan (Khyber Mail): The Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) has officially received approval from Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Communications to restart its cross-border bus service between Gilgit and Kashgar, China, after a 14-year suspension.
The service, which had been discontinued in 2010 due to a natural disaster that caused a massive landslide and the formation of Attabad Lake, submerging a 14-kilometer stretch of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), is now set to resume.
The restoration of this vital transport link is the result of a collaborative effort between NATCO and Xinjiang-Kashgar Xin Lu Transportation Co. Ltd, a Chinese company.
The resumption of this bus service is expected to enhance connectivity between the two regions, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The bus service is anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the local communities, providing new opportunities for businesses and travelers alike.
This development marks a major step forward in strengthening the ties between Pakistan and China, as well as promoting regional cooperation and development.