BANNU: Traders from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have demanded the immediate reopening of the Ghulam Khan border, Pakistan’s third-largest crossing with Afghanistan, warning that continued closure has crippled cross-border commerce and caused millions in daily losses.
Addressing a press conference in Bannu, leaders of multiple trader associations stated that the month-long shutdown had left perishable goods rotting in warehouses and on vehicles. They described the closure as “economic devastation” for the region.
“Vegetables, fruits, and other goods are being wasted. Traders face irreparable losses while laborers are losing jobs,” said Haji Malik Abdullah Khan, president of the Ghulam Khan Trade Union.
The Ghulam Khan crossing in North Waziristan is one of Pakistan’s main land trade routes with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Traders said it allows goods to move quickly to Pakistani cities and onward across the border.
Authorities closed the border after introducing a mandatory visa system for movement. Traders said Afghan officials reject the new requirement while Pakistani authorities refuse to allow crossings without visas. They warned the deadlock has brought all imports and exports to a standstill.
Business leaders urged both governments to resolve the dispute and restore the previous system that allowed goods to move with permits. They also called for a consulate at the border to issue visas and address problems on-site.
The trade community appealed to the prime minister, army chief, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, and local commanders to intervene immediately.
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“If the government does not act, we will block roads and shut down markets in protest,” one speaker warned.
