Adding to the complexity of the situation, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Chief Manzoor Pashteen visited the Kuki Khel sit-in at Begyari in Jamrud, addressing a large gathering
By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER DISTRICT: A significant counter-protest sit-in was held in the main Landikotal Bazaar on Saturday, with traders, transporters, shopkeepers, and local residents rallying against the ongoing blockade of the main highway by the Kuki Khel tribe. The highway has been blocked at the Begyari post in Jamrud for the past 11 days, causing severe disruption to daily life and trade.
The protestors, led by Torkham Custom Agents’ chairman Meraj Uddin Shinwari, vocally expressed their frustration with the continued closure of the highway. In his address, Shinwari acknowledged that while the demands of the Kuki Khel tribe might be valid, blocking a crucial roadway for both civilian and commercial traffic is unjustifiable. He called on the Commandant of Khyber Rifles to intervene and negotiate with the Kuki Khel tribe to reopen the highway.
Shinwari warned that if the road remained closed, protestors might be forced to demonstrate in front of the army cantonment in Landi Kotal. He emphasized that no one should be allowed to sow discord among the Pakhtoon tribes, urging unity and respect among all parties involved. The protestors also condemned the reported behavior of Kuki Khel’s chief, Malik Naseer Ahmad, accusing him of disrespecting other tribes and using inappropriate language. Although Malik Naseer has expressed sympathy for the affected tribes, tensions remain high.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Chief Manzoor Pashtin visited the Kuki Khel sit-in at Begyari in Jamrud, addressing a large gathering on Friday. Pashtin supported the demands of the Kuki Khel tribe and announced plans to hold a ‘Pakhtoon Court’ (Jirga) on October 11 in Khyber to further press the government for policy reforms concerning the tribal areas, including the Kuki Khel tribe. While Pashtin’s request for a temporary passageway for small vehicles was honored, the broader issue remains unresolved, with tensions continuing to escalate.
The sit-in participants voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation, criticizing authorities for their failure to resolve the issue and urging the Koki Khel tribe to opt for a peaceful, symbolic protest rather than a permanent road blockade. The ongoing blockade has severely impacted Pak-Afghan trade, with trucks and trailers carrying goods worth millions of rupees stranded on the highway. Perishable items, such as fresh fruits, have been left to rot due to the inability to transport them.
