Protests in Parachinar continue over road closure

PARACHINAR: The sit-in protest outside the Parachinar Press Club against the prolonged closure of roads entered its third day on Tuesday.

The residents are demanding the immediate reopening of travel routes and effective measures to ensure public safety. The five-month-long road closures have exacerbated public hardships, especially with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. Citizens face severe difficulties in obtaining food and other essential items for sehr and iftar.

Addressing the protesters, social activists Musarrat Bangash and Malik Zartaj criticized the situation, saying a population of 500,000 is struggling with food shortages due to blocked supply routes. They vowed to continue the protest until the roads are reopened.

Meanwhile, after a 15-day gap, essential commodities, including food and daily-use items, were finally transported to Kurram district on Tuesday. Among them, 113 small and large vehicles delivered supplies to Parachinar, 100 trucks reached Sadda Bazaar, and several others transported goods to Ali Zai and other affected areas. However, the authorities have once again barred fuel and gas tankers from entering the district.

Manzar Ali, a gas trader, expressed frustration over the continued restrictions, stating that gas-filled vehicles have been left stranded on roads for months, resulting in unbearable transportation costs. He also highlighted the difficulties consumers face due to the absence of gas, especially in the severe winter cold.

Social activist Mehmood Ali Jan said the critical need for gas during Ramazan and blamed authorities for their failure to make proper arrangements. Similarly, Haji Gulfam, president of the Flying Station Association, criticized the administration for allowing other supplies while refusing permission for fuel transportation, leading to severe disruptions in daily life.In response to the ongoing crisis, the district administration assured citizens that efforts are being made to meet their medical and food needs.