The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly of Pakistan has passed a resolution to welcome the re-opening of Pakistan-China trade via the Khunjerab pass. The decision is seen as a positive step towards increasing trade and people-to-people contact between the two neighbouring countries. Opposition leader Amjad Hussain Advocate tabled the resolution in the assembly’s 17th session, which was chaired by Speaker Syed Amjad Ali Zaidi. The resolution applauded the decision of the Pakistan government and China to re-open the border for trade, stating that it will strengthen the friendship between both countries and provide economic opportunities to the local population on both sides of the border. The resolution also demanded the removal of trade barriers to provide free trade opportunities to the people of both countries. The assembly passed another resolution with a majority vote, changing the name of the Jugulote-Skardu Road to Shahrah-i-Baltistan, the only trade and travel route of Baltistan division.