Traders in Bannu ask govt to open blocked roads

BANNU: The traders on Wednesday issued a three-day ultimatum to reopen blocked roads, warning of further action if their demands were not met.

Addressing an emergency press conference, the president of the Bannu Traders Association, Pir Manzoor Shah stated that the fight against terrorism is not just the responsibility of security forces but also of the public. He emphasized that this battle must be fought collectively.

Pir Manzoor Shah criticised the closure of main roads following terrorist incidents, arguing that it is unjust to create additional hardships for both traders and the public. He pointed out that such closures not only exacerbate financial losses caused by attacks but also disrupt transportation and commerce, ultimately serving the objectives of terrorists.

He warned that if the situation continues, traders and the general public will be pushed toward financial ruin, worsening the overall conditions in the region.The association’s president said that the closure of major roads, including Miranshah Road and Jumma Khan Road, as well as roads within the cantonment limits, has negatively impacted businesses and created an atmosphere of fear throughout Bannu.

Other prominent members of the traders’ association, including Malik Nafid Jhando Khel, Chairman Altaf-ur-Rehman, Nek Jehan Shah, Malik Farman Mirakhel, Dil Ghafoor Khan, Malik Hameed Khan, Imran, Farman Niaz, Hakimzad Khan, and Sajid Shah, also voiced their concerns.