By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: Traders and transport representatives have announced a public protest on 2 August against the prolonged closure of the Torkham border, warning that the disruption has triggered a deepening economic crisis for thousands of families dependent on cross-border trade.
At a joint press conference at the District Press Club in Landi Kotal, leaders of the All Torkham Custom Clearing Agents Association, transport unions and labour organisations called for a protest gathering at 10am in Bacha Khan Chowk, urging political leaders, social activists, traders, transporters, workers and members of the public to take part.
Association President Mujeeb Shinwari said the border should remain open for trade and should not be used for political purposes. He argued that the continued closure had severely affected local labourers, transporters, customs clearing agents and businesses.
The organisers said they had raised the issue through official channels and staged several protests over the past 10 months, but claimed no lasting solution had been found. They warned that thousands of families were now facing unemployment and severe financial hardship.
The group also expressed support for a shutter-down strike by the business community in Bara. They warned that if their demands were not met, protesters would shut down Landi Kotal Bazaar and block the Pakistan-Afghanistan highway on 2 August.
Speakers urged the government to take immediate steps to reopen the Torkham border, saying the livelihoods of a large section of the local population depended on cross-border trade. They also appealed to elected representatives to join the protest and support the concerns of affected communities.
Addressing the press conference, Mirajuddin Shinwari said the authorities were fully aware of the difficulties facing residents but had failed to take practical action. He warned that the protest movement could intensify if the border remained closed.
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