By Fazal Amin
LANDIKOTAL: A large protest rally was held at Bacha Khan Chowk in Landikotal Bazaar, district Khyber, against the prolonged closure of the Pak-Afghan Torkham border, which has remained shut for the past several months.
The protest was attended by a large number of customs clearing agents, transporters, traders, elders, political leaders, labourers, representatives of social organizations, and residents. The participants expressed serious concern over the economic hardships caused by the continued suspension of cross-border trade and movement.
Addressing the gathering, speakers urged the authorities of both Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations. They demanded the immediate reopening of the Torkham border, along with other border crossings, for trade activities and pedestrian movement.
The speakers said that reopening the border would help ease the difficulties faced by people on both sides and revive economic activity in the region. They warned that if the border remained closed, protests could be expanded in the coming days.
