SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Political activists, tribal elders and youths on Tuesday staged a rally in the Azam Warsak Bazaar in Lower South Waziristan district against suspension of trade activities through the Angoor Adda border here.

The protesters holding placards and chanting slogans demanded of the government to accept the demands of the participants of a sit-in staged at the Angoor Adda border, so that trade activities could resume, which have been suspended for last 10 months.

The protesters were led by PPP’s Imran Wazir, PTI’s Khanzada Wazir, ANP’s Asmatullah and JI’s Asadullah.

Addressing the participants, the political leaders demanded of the federal government to issue e-passes to local tribes for crossing the border point easily. They said the tribesmen should be exempted from passport and visa condition. The protesters also demanded of the government to make functional all schools and hospitals in the region.

The government, they said should immediately restore mobile phone service and provide the facility of internet to local tribes. They said concrete measures should be taken to provide electricity to tribesmen.

They said apart from heavy losses to local people, the suspension of border trade had also inflicted huge revenue losses on the national exchequer. It merits a mention here that four tribes have been staging a sit-in at the Angoor Adda border crossing for last 10 months, suspending trade activities.

The district administration officials said they were working to meet the demands of the protesters to reopen the border.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024