KHYBER: Trade with Afghanistan via the Torkham border remained suspended on Sunday as tribesmen in Jamrud and Landi Kotal protested against the arrest of a tribal elder.

The Khugakhel tribesmen blocked the main road leading to Torkham near the Landi Kotal Bazaar, while a group of Kukikhel tribesmen also demonstrated at the historic Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud, demanding the release of Mufti Ejaz, who is also an office-bearer of JUI-F.

The police arrested Mufti Ejaz at the Bhagiyarri checkpost late Saturday when he was on way to Landi Kotal. No reason for his arrest was given.

Lutfullah Khan, a spokesman for the Khugakhel tribesmen, told Dawn that the arrest of their leader was totally unjustified as the local administration had formed a committee to resolve the thorny issue of construction of a customs terminal at Torkham border.

He said their protest would continue till the unconditional release of the elder.

Meanwhile, unidentified assailants fired gunshots at the house of a journalist in Jamrud on Sunday morning. Shehzad Afridi told Dawn that he was awakened by rapid gunfire at the main gate of his house in Naee Abadi locality at around 4am. However, he said he along with his family members remained unhurt.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2022