LANDI KOTAL: Senator Taj Mohammad has criticised National Logistic Cell for what he calls transgressing its authority and occupying the property of local residents at Torkham border for construction of a custom terminal at the border.

Addressing a protest rally here on Tuesday, he said that he would raise the issue of occupation of Khugakhel tribe’s land by NLC along with its staff unlawful meddling in the affairs of custom clearance, immigration and security checking of trucks loaded with trade goods.

He demanded of the federal government not to award export rights to NLC for Afghanistan via Torkham border as the move would deprive thousands of tribesmen of their legitimate businesses.

“The government should create more job opportunities and enhance bilateral trade with Afghanistan instead of depriving local residents of their already shrunk businesses,” said the senator.

Mirajuddin Shinwari, the chairman Custom Clearing Agents Association, said on the occasion that NLC was the main obstacle in the improvement of bilateral trade relations with Afghanistan.

He said that NLC failed to fulfil its obligations of building a modern custom terminal and instead took upon itself the responsibilities of custom clearing and immigration, much to the displeasure of local traders.

Zar Qeef Khan, the president of the association, accused NLC of pressurising the Khugakhel tribesmen to sell it their personal properties. He said that Khugakhel tribe had already handed over its prized land near the border for construction of custom terminal through an agreement but the NLC authorities were trying to occupy more land in violation of the agreement.

BOYCOTT: The principal and teachers along with scores of students boycotted classes at government degree college here against the misbehaviour of Khasadar officials with the principal and some staff members.

Principal Sher Bahadar accused the khasadar official, Subedar Zahid Shilmani, and his subordinates of negligence from official duty on the college premises and later misbehaving when a formal complaint was lodged with the assistant commissioner. He demanded an inquiry against the khasadar officials.

The staff ended their boycott after an assurance about conducting an inquiry against the khasadars. The Khasadars, however, denied the allegations.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2018