China Southern Airlines, one of Asia’s largest carriers, will resume the Urumqi-Kashgar-Islamabad route from January 27, offering round-trip flights (CZ8019/20) every Saturday.
This reinstatement after nearly 15 years of suspension strengthens connectivity between China and Pakistan, adding to the existing two routes between Pakistan and Xinjiang, China.
Kashgar, serving as the starting point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and a significant node in the Asia-Europe Golden Passage, plays a vital role as a strategic gateway for western development, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Wednesday.
Liu Zhong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Administrative Office of Kashgar, expressed his belief that the opening of the Urumqi-Kashgar-Islamabad route would significantly facilitate international trade and cooperation between China and Pakistan.
“This development will contribute to the high-quality construction and development of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, specifically in the Kashgar region,” he added.
The establishment of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone on November 1, 2023, positions Kashgar as one of the three key zones within it.—APP
