MOHMAND: Residents of Khwezai Baizai tehsil have demanded that the government reopen the Gursal border crossing with Afghanistan, restore essential public services and create employment opportunities for youth.
Speaking to reporters here, Khwezai jirga chairman Bakht Buland Khan, general secretary Niaz Wali, Malik Fazal Manan and others said residents were facing multiple challenges, including damaged roads, inadequate healthcare and education facilities, unemployment and poor condition of public buildings.
They said residents had repeatedly brought these issues to the notice of relevant authorities, but to no avail.
The jirga members highlighted the absence of a proper bridge over a flood-damaged stream near Kozo Kas. They said the bridge was washed away nearly two years ago and had yet to be reconstructed, creating serious difficulties for thousands of dwellers. They said a lack of a permanent crossing not only affected daily commuting but also disrupted access to schools, health facilities and markets. During rainfall or flooding, they added, residents were often forced to wait for hours until the route became passable.
The elders also expressed concern over the condition of schools, hospitals and government buildings in the tehsil, saying improved public services were essential for the socioeconomic development of the border population.
They urged the authorities to immediately reconstruct the damaged crossing, improve roads and upgrade educational and healthcare facilities. The jirga members called for reopening the Gursal border crossing with Afghanistan to boost trade and create employment for local youth.
Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2026
