In a press conference held at the registered press club in Landi Kotal, tribal elders of the Khogakhel clan, along with Shah Khalid Shinwari, head of the local administration, demanded the immediate cancellation of newly announced tenders by the National Procurement Authority (NPA) concerning freight vehicle services, unloading, canteens, and other facilities at the Torkham terminal.
The Khogakhel elders claimed these tenders were issued without consultation with legitimate representatives of the tribe, violating a previous agreement with the NPA. They asserted that the land in Torkham is the ancestral property of the Khogakhel tribe and that no entity has the right to override their rights or ownership.
Shah Khalid Shinwari issued an ultimatum to the NPA to cancel the tenders by August 3 (3rd Asad), warning that failure to comply would result in continuous protests and a complete blockade of the Pak-Afghan highway. He held the NPA solely responsible for any fallout.
He added that the original agreement with the NPA covered 300 kanals of land, but the authority is now operating on an additional 201 kanals. He demanded that the same compensation and terms be applied to the extra land and emphasized that all decisions must be made in consultation with the tribal elders, not just a few individuals.
The elders also warned that if the contracts were handed to outsiders, they would strongly oppose it and prevent such parties from operating. By symbolically threatening to shut down the Torkham terminal, the Khogakhel sent a clear message: they will not allow their land and rights to be ignored.
Shinwari further stated, “An economic massacre is underway in Torkham. Instead of creating job opportunities, the government is closing down livelihoods. We stand for the rights of the Khogakhel, for trade, transport, and public interest, and we will use every possible means to achieve our demands.”
He called on senior military and security officials, including the Army Chief and Peshawar Corps Commander, to address their grievances promptly. He reiterated that if their concerns are not heard by August 3, a sustained nationwide protest would begin, including a shutdown of the Pak-Afghan highway.
NPA Response Awaited
When contacted, NPA officials declined to comment. They stated that only the central office would issue a statement on the matter in due time.
