Peshawar – The harsh economic impact of the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham increased today as the local population, transporters, and traders organized a big demonstration protest in Landi Kotal. The border crossing is currently on its 36th day of continuous closure of trade operations and is devastating lives in the region.
The protest was held at Bacha Khan Chowk at the Landi Kotal Bazaar. The crowd included a wide cross-section of the community, including political leaders, transporters, customs clearing agents, workers, and members of the public, all united in their demand for the immediate
Direct Demand for Dialogue
In the protest, the participants gave a simple message to both the Pakistani and Afghanistan authorities: solve the dispute by means of negotiations.
Speakers stated that the Torkham border should be opened as soon as possible, not only to carry out trade operations but also to transfer pedestrians on either side. Thousands of families in the border towns have stagnated due to the long-term shutdown of the flow of important goods and income.
One humanitarian need that was raised very urgently was the safe modalities of returning people who have been stranded across the border. As a sign of goodwill, the protestors wanted Pakistani transporters, drivers, and citizens confined on the Afghan side of Torkham to be given a chance to go back to Pakistan on the other side of the Torkham border.
Political and Trade Leaders Participate
Key political and trade leaders in the region were present at the protest, showing just how dire the crisis had been. Some of the leaders included Mufti Muhammad Ijaz Shinwari, from JUI-F, Chairman Tehsil Shah Khalid Shinwari, Merajuddin Shinwari is the chairman of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association, and Mujeeb Shinwari, the President of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association.
Their involvement highlighted the need to end the diplomatic and security stalemate that has closed this important economic lifeline. As the closure approaches its fifth week, the emphasis has been firmly placed on diplomacy to resume the trade standstill and reduce the suffering of the communities along the border, which is rising.
