Traders from Wana have issued a stark ultimatum to the government, demanding the reopening of the Pak-Afghan Angoor Adda border crossing for trade by June 30.
They warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in a complete shutdown of government offices and an indefinite protest, including a hunger strike if necessary.
The protest announcement came during a large jirga held in Wana’s main Rustam Bazaar, attended by key trade leaders, including Malik Sardar Ali and President of the Lower Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saif-ur-Rehman.
Traders said the border has remained shut for 21 months, paralyzing local businesses and devastating the economy across Waziristan.
They accused the government of offering excuses, first blaming local sit-ins and then citing a lack of cooperation from the Afghan side.
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However, they now claim the Afghan government is fully ready to resume cross-border trade.
“We knocked on every door, approached every institution, but received nothing beyond empty promises,” said Saif-ur-Rehman. “Our patience has run out.”
Trader leaders emphasized that if the gate is not reopened by the end of June, they will launch a full-scale protest, block roads, shut down offices, and paralyze the region’s administration, holding the government solely responsible for the consequences.
“The world is promoting trade while we are being treated like stepchildren,” said one protester. “We want to know: what is our fault? We are only demanding our right.”
