South Waziristan | Date: July 14, 2025— Provincial Highway Authority Launches Road Repair Work on Makin-Jandola Route After Media Reports Highlight Poor Conditions – Following repeated media reports highlighting the dilapidated condition of the Makin-Jandola road in South Waziristan, the Provincial Highway Authority has finally responded. On July 14, 2025, repair work officially began, albeit on a limited scale. Currently, the initial phase of the operation involves using tractors to repair certain manageable portions of the road. However, local sources confirm that the road remains heavily damaged in key areas, making it nearly impossible to conduct meaningful repair work without the use of heavy machinery.
This long-neglected Makin-Jandola road serves as a vital artery connecting several remote areas, and its current condition has severely impacted daily commuting and emergency services in the region. Therefore, residents, civil society groups, and local representatives are now urging the government to take urgent and comprehensive steps to restore this essential transport route.
Heavy Machinery Demanded for Major Repair Works
Although repair work has begun, local residents argue that deploying just tractors is an insufficient measure to address the magnitude of destruction along the Makin-Jandola road. Particularly in areas such as Aryan Khula, Piaza, Dwa Toi, Tabartaka, and Sararogha, the road’s condition is beyond simple fixes. The terrain in these zones is rugged, filled with deep potholes, scattered debris, and mudslides, which require the deployment of advanced equipment like excavators and bulldozers.
Concerned citizens have voiced their disappointment, pointing out that without the proper machinery, the repairs currently underway are symbolic rather than practical. Many are calling on the Provincial Highway Authority to not only speed up the process but also to act with genuine commitment. They believe that only a well-equipped and focused approach will bring permanent improvement.
Residents Suffer Due to Road’s Crumbling State
For months, the Makin-Jandola road has been nearly impassable, posing grave challenges to commuters. Local inhabitants report that students, patients, and daily wage workers are particularly affected. School-going children are often late or forced to miss classes entirely. Similarly, patients requiring urgent medical care face life-threatening delays due to the poor transport access.
Moreover, commercial activity has also declined significantly, as transporters avoid the route altogether, resulting in inflated prices of basic commodities in the affected areas. This has intensified the public’s frustration, prompting several social media campaigns and news reports, eventually compelling the authorities to act.
Community Urges for Speed and Transparency
In light of the current situation, social activists and influential tribal elders are pressing for swift and transparent progress on the repair of the Makin-Jandola road. They argue that the road’s restoration should not be a temporary political gesture but a sustainable development project. They further suggested setting up a monitoring mechanism to ensure that funds allocated for this project are used appropriately and that work is not halted midway due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Additionally, the community recommends collaboration between the Provincial Highway Authority and local administrative bodies for better on-ground coordination. They believe this joint effort can help identify priority areas and manage resources effectively.
Conclusion: A Road to Rehabilitation
The initial response by the Provincial Highway Authority is a welcome step, but it is far from sufficient. The Makin-Jandola road is not just a means of transport it is a lifeline for thousands of residents in South Waziristan. For sustainable development, the authorities must treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Swift action, deployment of appropriate machinery, and consistent public communication will not only restore connectivity but also rebuild trust between the state and the people. Restoring the Makin-Jandola road will transform lives and connectivity.