PESHAWAR/KHAR, July 4: Elders of various tribal agencies have expressed grave concern over the government’s decision to open routes for supply to Nato forces in Afghanistan and feared it will result in surge in terrorist acts in Pakistan.

Led by Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf Khyber Agency organiser Mohammad Iqbal Afridi, the elders belonging to various tribal regions told a press conference in Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday that the government’s decision was against the will of Pakistani nation.

Flanked by PTI organiser for Bajaur Agency Ahmad Zaib, Mr Iqbal lamented that despite repeated protests and requests that reopening of Nato supply be linked to end of drone attacks, the rulers preferred their personal interests to public demands in this regard.

He said that the government did not take the nation into confidence before restoration of Nato supply, which could disturb the already fragile law and order situation, especially in Khyber Agency.

Mr Zaib said that tribesmen had suffered huge losses of lives and properties due to the so-called war on terror and as such they would continue to oppose the pro-American policies of the government.

“A protest movement will be started after Ramazan (fasting month) from Bajaur Agency against the reopening of Nato routes,” he warned.

He asked the parliamentarians belonging to Federally Administered Tribal Areas to resign from their seats, as they had failed to protect the interests of tribal people.

Meanwhile, activists of Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT), Peshawar district, held a demonstration at Sher Shah Suri road here on Wednesday to protest against restoration of Nato supply.

The demonstrators, carrying banner inscribed with statements such as “stop Nato supply”, “save lives of innocent people”, also chanted slogans against the government.

Abidullah Shaheen, nazim IJT Peshawar, said that restoration of Nato supply to US forces in Afghanistan would be considered treason with the blood of the martyrs of Pakistan army and the future generations would not forgive the ruling parties.

He said that the IJT workers and other patriotic Pakistanis would not tolerate reopening of routes and create hurdles to the supply on Ring Road, Peshawar.

In Khar, tribal elders and workers of different political parties of Bajaur tribal region strongly opposed allowing Nato supply via Pakistan, saying that restoration of supply could negatively impact the law and order and economic situation in the country.

Talking to reporters, Jamaat-i-Islami Fata chief Sahibzada Haroonur Rasheed said that the government’s decision to reopen routes for Nato supply was against the country’s sovereignty.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Bajaur amir Maulana Mohammad Sadiq also condemned the government decision, saying it would damage the country dignity because the US did not make official apology for the death of the soldiers killed in Salala attack.

PML-N leader Rahat Yousaf said restoration of Nato supply without US apology showed that the rulers were not serious about the country’s sovereignty.