Prolonged Roadblock in Jamrud Disrupts Life in Landi Kotal, Creates Food Shortage and Struggles for Commuters

Social circles, transporters, and residents of Landi Kotal have urged the protest organizers to continue their demonstrations for their legitimate demands but to refrain from completely blocking the highway.

The ongoing sit-in and roadblock at the Bhagyari checkpoint in Jamrud have significantly worsened the situation for people traveling to and from Landi Kotal, affecting individuals from all walks of life, including patients and travelers. The three-day-long protest and road closure have led to a severe shortage of essential food items in Landi Kotal, compounded by shopkeepers hiking up prices.

Transporters are also suffering, forced to spend day and night under their vehicles in the scorching heat without access to food or water. Social circles, transporters, and residents of Landi Kotal have urged the protest organizers to continue their demonstrations for their legitimate demands but to refrain from completely blocking the highway. The roadblock has brought Landi Kotal to the brink of a humanitarian crisis.

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Transporters report that tomatoes and fruits in their vehicles have started to spoil, forcing them to rent smaller vehicles to deliver goods via the longer Shalman Mullagori route, which significantly increases travel distance and costs. Due to the blockade at Bhagyari, vehicles carrying goods from Peshawar to Landi Kotal are also stuck, making it nearly impossible to bring in meat, poultry, vegetables, and other essentials. Markets in Landi Kotal and remote areas are now deserted.

Additionally, transporting patients to Peshawar has become nearly impossible. Residents of Landi Kotal have called on the government to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Koki Khel tribe's elders to alleviate their suffering and prevent further hardship.

The prolonged road closure has not only disrupted the lives of ordinary people, patients, traders, and transporters, but it has also stalled business activities via the Torkham border, causing losses to both the national treasury and local traders.