KABUL(BNA): The long-awaited Silk Road Highway has reached a significant milestone, now extending to the zero-point border between China and Afghanistan. This historic route, known for linking East Asia to South Asia in ancient times, marks a critical advancement in regional connectivity.
Engineer Zabihullah Amiri, head of Information and Culture in Badakhshan, announced that the first phase of the Silk Road project, initiated by the Ministry of Defense’s engineering team, has made substantial progress. The initial construction stretches 60 meters in length and 11 meters in width from Ishkashim district to Khandud, the center of Wakhan district. Several sections of this road are now prepared for asphalt paving.
Economic analysts highlight the Wakhan corridor’s historical and cultural importance, deeming it a crucial economic artery for Afghanistan and the broader region. The completion of this road, along with the reopening of the border with China, promises significant economic benefits, enhancing trade between East Asia and South Asia.
The construction of the road began last year from Buzai Gumbad, traversing the historic Vagjir valley to reach the zero-point border. The road, 50 kilometers long and 7 meters wide, is now operational, though work continues on some bridges and road grading.
China shares a 74-kilometer border with Afghanistan in the Tigerman Su region of the Vagjir valley, Wakhan district. This strategic point connects Pamir in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, with Kashgar (Yarkand) in China, historically facilitating Silk Road caravans through Afghanistan to the Middle East and South Asia.
Local officials in Badakhshan advise tourists visiting this high-altitude border point, which stands at 4,840 meters above sea level, to use four-wheel-drive vehicles and respect border protocols.
Tourists and residents of Wakhan have expressed their appreciation for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s significant economic initiatives. They urge the leadership to officially pave the road and open the border with China, facilitating the export of Afghan products like precious and semi-precious stones and the import of essential goods.
On the other hand, Zahirullah, a young resident of Pamir, voiced his satisfaction with the attention from the Islamic Emirate over the past three years. He noted that local and central authorities have addressed their issues, providing clinics, schools, and roads. Previously, due to the lack of infrastructure, residents had to travel for months using yak caravans.
He urged the Islamic Emirate to complete the asphalting of the Silk Road and officially open the China-Afghanistan port to boost the region’s economic prospects and connectivity.
Bakhtar
