SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The Wana-Gomal Zam Road in the Lower South Waziristan tribal district was partially reopened to traffic on Thursday after remaining closed due to landslides for four days.

The administration officials said that debris and gravel were removed from several points, including Shinkay area, allowing partial restoration of vehicular movement. Clearance operations are still underway and will continue until the road is fully cleaned, according to them.

Officials said that heavy machinery and field staff remain engaged to ensure full restoration of the route as soon as possible.

Representatives of the local transport union expressed serious concerns over the prolonged road closure, stating that hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides during the four-day disruption.

Drivers and passengers faced severe hardships, and the supply of essential goods to the region was significantly affected.

The union called for long-term and large-scale measures to ensure the road’s sustainability and prevent similar blockages in the future.

Meanwhile, local Wazir tribal elders and political leaders noted that even light rainfall often triggers landslides on the road, resulting in frequent closures.

They urged authorities, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief, to take immediate action for the inclusion of the Wana-Gomal Zam Road in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and order its complete reconstruction.

Elders and political leaders emphasised that the Wana-Gomal Zam Road was of vital economic and strategic importance not just for Lower South Waziristan but for the entire region.

They warned that the road’s deteriorated condition would continue hampering mobility and trade.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2025