Aman shinwari
Khyber, November 10:
A grand jirga was convened at the office of Tehsil Chairman Landi Kotal, Shah Khalid Shinwari, to discuss the worsening situation caused by the prolonged closure of the Pak-Afghan Torkham Border. The jirga was attended by tribal elders, political and social leaders, customs clearing agents, transporters, and labor representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Tehsil Chairman Shah Khalid Shinwari, ANP leader Shireen Afridi, President of Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association Mujeeb Shinwari, former Transport Union President Haji Shakir Afridi, and others including Malik Masil Shinwari, Merajuddin Shinwari, and Israr Shinwari highlighted that while tensions had previously occurred along the border, it had never remained closed for such an extended period.
Speakers lamented that the closure has paralyzed trade and employment, severely affecting local workers and transporters while also inflicting economic losses on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the national treasury. They criticized the leadership of both Pakistan and Afghanistan for prioritizing pride over public welfare, saying the poor continue to suffer amid political standoffs.
The jirga participants urged both governments to allow tribal elders, traders, and community representatives to mediate and normalize the situation through dialogue. They proposed sending a Grand Peace Jirga to Afghanistan to engage Afghan tribal elders for reopening the border and easing hardships faced by people on both sides.
It is noteworthy that today marks the 30th consecutive day of the Torkham Border closure, halting all trade and pedestrian movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
