RECENTLY, a truck full of coal was burnt on the road along the Gomal Pass which connects Pakistan with Afghanistan and Central Asia via Angoor Ada corridor. It is not the first such case in this area. We have seen many similar incidents in the past and the culprits remain unknown.

There are hundreds of check-posts of Pakistani forces in this region, but criminals are at large without any fear of state and its powerful institutions. The state and its armed forces need to do better to protect the life and property of the civilians.

It is pertinent to note that neither the federal nor the provincial government is giving the victims any financial support.

I urge the government to ensure the security of this important trade route and also pay full compensation to the affected persons.

Fida Hussain Wazir
Wana, South Waziristan

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2021