SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: An alliance of political and social activists has expressed grave concern over the prolonged closure of the Angoor Adda border, deteriorating law and order situation and lack of local residents’ access to mineral resources.

A meeting of the Joint Political Peace Alliance (Muttahida Siyasi Aman Pasoon) was held here on Friday, where a three-point agenda was formally presented by Awami National Party senior leader Taj Wazir, which received overwhelming support from the participants.

The political body threatened if the demands were not met then a protest sit-in would be held on July 11. The participants demanded that Angoor Adda border, closed for the past 21 months, be immediately reopened to restore trade and ease the economic crisis affecting the region.

They noted that commercial activities had come to a standstill in Wana Rustam Bazaar, Azam Warsak, Shakai, Toi Khullah and Gul Kach causing massive losses to traders.

The participants further emphasised that the region’s abundant mineral resources must directly benefit indigenous population.

Expressing grave concern over increasing insecurity, the participants criticised the government institutions for failing to curb rising violence, targeted attacks and abductions.

They urged the federal government and security institutions to take practical steps to restore peace, reopen the trade route and ensure that local communities were granted their rightful stake in the exploration of mineral resources in the region.

SECTION 144 ENFORCED: The Lower South Waziristan district administration has enforced Section 144 in parts of Birmal tehsil, including the volatile Ghundak region, following renewed tensions over a longstanding land dispute.

The step, aimed at maintaining public order and preventing potential violence, was announced on Friday by deputy commissioner Nasir Khan, and would remain in effect till August 1.

The order prohibits all public gatherings, processions, rallies, and demonstrations in the affected areas, which include Ghundak, Darikhel, Jikhel, Dinorkhel, and Sarkikhel. The display or carrying of firearms, construction of bunkers, digging of trenches, and any attempt to block roads or erect barriers have also been strictly banned.

Furthermore, gatherings of four or more individuals have been declared unlawful during this period.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2025