By Dr. Zardad Wazir
SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Jamaat-e-Islami leaders in South Waziristan have expressed support for an ongoing sit-in in Azam Warsak, calling on authorities to immediately reopen blocked roads across Lower South Waziristan.
Addressing a press conference, district amir Asadullah Bheer said residents, particularly in Azam Warsak in Tehsil Birmal, were facing severe hardship due to prolonged road closures and a worsening security situation.
He said markets had become deserted and several homes abandoned amid frequent incidents of bomb blasts, targeted killings and daily gunfire, which had created an atmosphere of fear among residents.
Bheer added that the closure of roads at multiple نقاط had further compounded difficulties, disrupting daily life. He said locals had been staging a sit-in at Palay Chowk, demanding the immediate reopening of roads.
He noted that the road at Palay Chowk had remained closed for several months, causing serious problems for commuters. Roads were a basic necessity, he said, adding that while other regions were expanding infrastructure for development, restrictions in the area were increasing.
Announcing full support for the protest, he said the demands of demonstrators were legitimate and urged authorities to act without delay. He confirmed that the party would actively participate in the sit-in.
He said closures at several نقاط, including Palay Chowk, Zawar Baghicha post, Musa Kala Karikot Road, Farhad Camp Gate and Igloo Gate, had caused widespread inconvenience, with students, traders and patients forced to take alternative routes.
Bheer called for a balanced strategy to build trust between security forces and the public, ensuring both law and order and access to basic facilities.
He also urged authorities to ease restrictions ahead of the business season to support economic activity, stressing that protecting citizens’ lives and property was the government’s primary responsibility.
