By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
PESHAWAR: Representatives of the tribal chambers of Commerce and industries from all merged districts, traders, customs-clearing agents associations, transporters and daily-wage workers gathered at a grand jirga in Peshawar and demanded forthwith reopening of all border points that suffered billion-dollar losses to traders and the national exchequer. Participants urged parliamentarians and authorities to take urgent notice, warning that thousands of families are suffering due to halted trade and pedestrian movement.
President of the fruits and vegetable union in South Waziristan, Malik Abdullah Dawarr, said that 16 of his trucks loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables had spoiled at the border, causing heavy financial losses to him.
Malik Roohullah Wazir, a tribal elder from North Waziristan, said all border routes from Angoor Adda to Torkham remained shut, resulting in losses worth billions of rupees to traders and transporters. He urged both countries to avoid linking business with politics.
Chairman Torkham Customs Association, Merajuddin Shinwari,
said that thousands of labourers had lost their livelihoods due to the prolonged shutdown. He added that millions of rupees of Pakistani traders’ capital were stuck across Afghanistan, forcing tribal leaders to convene a major jirga.
“Tribal people have no alternative source of income. The issue must be resolved at the negotiation table,” he said.
Shahid Shinwari said that tribespeople want to see Pakistan strong and progressing, but closing the border was strangling poor families. He called on the provincial and federal governments to work together for a sustainable solution.
Former Relief Minister and PTI MPA Haji Nek Muhammad said that globally, border closures follow specific regulations. He said even India, despite years of hostilities, keeps all crossings open with Pakistan. He also lamented that targeted killings continue in the tribal belt.
PTM Khyber coordinator Aftab Pashteen said Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand line were suffering. He stressed that despite decades of war in Afghanistan, borders were rarely closed for such long durations.
Maulana Misbahullah, a JUI leader from North Waziristan, said tribal leaders had also conveyed to Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir the need for a peaceful solution with Afghanistan. He proposed holding another major jirga in Peshawar next week.
Issuing the formal declaration, Landikotal tehsil chairman Shah Khalid Shinwari said the border closure had increased frustration among the tribes. The jirga demanded the immediate reopening of all border points, compensation for traders and active involvement of the provincial government and political leadership of all political parties. It also urged that Afghan citizens, businessmen and transporters appeal to their authorities for a workable solution.
A committee was formed to organize a provincial-level grand jirga and take up the issue at all relevant forums.
It is worth noting that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has remained shut for the past 40 days following disputes over border management and attacks on security posts. The closure has reportedly caused losses reaching billions of rupees to the national exchequer and the business community.
