NORTH WAZIRISTAN: The North Waziristan district administration has announced that the Ghulam Khan border crossing is being reopened for trade activities from Wednesday (July 16).

The decision was taken in view of the economic difficulties faced by the local population, traders and the working class. The border had been closed two weeks ago due to security concerns, which not only affected bilateral trade but also left hundreds of migrant workers and transporters unemployed.

According to the administration, the announcement was made by Maj-Gen Adil Iftikhar Warraich of the Army’s Seventh Division during a jirga with local elders on Tuesday.

Gen Warraich told the jirga: “Sometimes tough decisions have to be taken in the national interest, but the people cannot be left alone in difficulties. The curfew will also be relaxed and internet service is likely to be partially restored soon.”

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025