LANDIKOTAL
In Khyber District, protests have led to the closure of the Pak-Afghan Highway for the past five days, halting not only international trade with Afghanistan and central Asian countries but all the fruits, vegetables and other commodities bazaars were closed due to the closure of road in Jamrud.
The Rajgal victims have blocked the highway to press their demands, causing trade activities at the Torkham crossing suspended for the last one week.
Hundreds of trucks loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables were stranded, leading to significant losses in the value of these goods.
Customs officials said that imports worth an average of $1.6 million daily and exports exceeding $1 million to Afghanistan were affected due to the closure of the Pak-Afghan highway. They said transit trade with central Asian countries has also been disrupted.
The closure has trapped thousands of cargo trucks and traders estimate that the national treasury is losing millions of rupees daily in duties.
Meanwhile, residents, traders and fruits and vegetables dealers appealed to the goverment and Kokikhel tribesmen to reopen the road for the sake of humanity.
