A significant protest took place at Bacha Khan Chowk in Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber district on August 3, in response to the nearly ten-month closure of the Torkham border. This gathering, as reported by The Express Tribune, drew in a diverse group of attendees including political and social activists, tribal elders, business community members, customs clearing agents, transporters, workers’ representatives, youths, and various political party leaders from all three tehsils of Khyber district.

The demonstrators called for the immediate reopening of the Torkham border to enable both pedestrian movement and bilateral trade. They voiced concerns that if the crossing remained closed, they would initiate an indefinite sit-in along the Pak-Afghan highway. The widespread discontent stemmed from the economic strains caused by the prolonged closure, which participants claimed had adversely affected thousands of families reliant on cross-border commerce.

During the protest, several speakers expressed that the ongoing closure had brought cross-border trade to a near halt. They reiterated that thousands were now deprived of their livelihoods, while many more were indirectly suffering economic hardships as a consequence of the border’s status. The lack of trade opportunities was described as severely impacting Khyber’s economy, further exacerbating the financial difficulties faced by families dependent on border-related employment.

Concerns Over Government Response

Speakers at the event highlighted a notable lack of action from the government regarding the border closure, despite the reasons being well understood. They expressed frustration that the issues were not receiving adequate attention in both the National Assembly and the Senate, nor during high-level governmental discussions. This sentiment underscored the belief that public concerns cannot be resolved through mere statements or social media activities.

Furthermore, participants pointed out that Khyber district is represented by two senators, one member of the National Assembly, and four Members of the Provincial Assembly, as well as the chief minister from the region. Yet, residents continued to face numerous economic challenges that went unaddressed. The protest urged elected officials to take tangible actions to improve livelihoods, trade conditions, and issues relating to the border regions.

Shah Faisal Afridi, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber District, remarked that the protest regarding the Torkham border closure should have been initiated much earlier. He stated that his party had consistently raised the issue through various platforms, organising protests and holding press conferences to demand the border’s reopening and to address public grievances.

Impact on Local Livelihoods and Education

Afridi further mentioned that the extended closure of the Torkham border had disrupted the legitimate livelihoods of tens of thousands, obstructing educational and economic opportunities for the community. The continued blockade presents not only a financial burden but also a challenge to the educational aspirations of many youth in the region who depend on cross-border trade for their families’ survival.

The urgency of the situation has been highlighted by local leaders, who stress that immediate action is imperative to alleviate the growing economic distress faced by residents. As the protest unfolds, it is clear that the community’s resilience is being tested, with the demand for solutions resonating strongly among those adversely affected by the border’s prolonged closure.

As the situation develops, the call for effective government intervention remains paramount, with the hope that the concerns raised during this protest will lead to tangible outcomes that benefit the residents of Khyber district significantly.

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