SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The traders and tribal elders of Lower South Waziristan on Sunday expressed grave concern over the prolonged closure of the Angoor Adda border crossing with Afghanistan, now entering its 21st month.

Speaking at a news conference at Wana Press Club on Sunday, they said the border closure had paralysed local trade and livelihoods, pushing thousands into economic hardship.

Out of respect for the sacred month of Muharram, the traders announced that their previously scheduled shutter-down strike set for June 30 had been deferred until July 10. However, they issued a firm ultimatum to the federal government and security institutions to reopen the Angoor Adda border immediately, or face a complete wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across the district.

The press conference was addressed by prominent tribal leaders Malik Boz Gul, Malik Sardar Ali, and chamber of commerce president Saifur Rehman, along with other representatives of the local business community. They stated that the border remains closed without any official explanation from the authorities.

They insisted that there was no restriction from the Afghan side.

The speakers highlighted that the prolonged closure has resulted in billions of rupees in financial losses for the local trading community. The government, too, has lost substantial revenue in customs and trade duties. Numerous small businesses have folded, and thousands of daily-wage workers have been rendered jobless, they added.

Malik Boz Gul appealed to both civil and military leadership to reopen the Angoor Adda border without further delay.

Traders unanimously declared that if the border was not reopened by July 10, they would initiate an indefinite wheel-jam and complete shutter-down protest throughout Lower South Waziristan. They said the protest would continue until a formal announcement was made regarding the reopening of the trade route.

The press conference concluded with a united call for the federal government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to act swiftly and consider the economic and humanitarian impact of the border closure. They warned that failure to do so could lead to expanded protests across tribal areas and other regions.

SECURITY MEASURES: Security measures were significantly intensified and a crackdown was launched on vehicles with tinted glass in Lower South Waziristan district on Sunday.

The measures were adopted on the instructions of district police officer Khankhel.

According to sources, more than 50 vehicles with tinted windows were stopped and the tints removed at various locations. Vehicle owners were also issued warnings to refrain from violating the law in the future.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2025