The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) made history by setting up the world’s highest automated teller machine (ATM) at Khunjerab Pass, located 15,397 feet above sea level on the Pakistan-China border. This remarkable installation not only symbolizes Pakistan’s engineering achievement but also serves as a vital facility for travelers along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The ATM, which operates 24 hours a day, is powered entirely by solar and wind energy, ensuring reliable service even in the harsh winter months when temperatures drop well below freezing. Managed by NBP’s Sost branch, the installation was completed on September 6, 2016.
On November 18, 2016, the Guinness World Records officially recognized it as the highest ATM in the world, surpassing India’s Union Bank ATM located at Nathu-La Pass, which stood at 14,300 feet. The Khunjerab Pass ATM continues to serve as both a practical banking solution and a symbol of innovation and national pride for Pakistan.
