October 1, 2024 – Kurram District — The key Pak-Afghan border crossing at Kharlachi reopened today. It had been closed for nine days due to violent clashes between rival tribes in the region, according to border authorities.
Local police confirmed that the clashes have ceased. Security forces and police personnel have deployed at strategic locations to maintain order and restore peace.
The prolonged closure of the border significantly impacted residents. It led to severe shortages of food, medicines, fuel, and other essential goods. “The closure created immense troubles for the residents,” said a local official. “Food commodities, medicines, fuel, and other daily-use items had become scarce.”
This recent violence marks a resurgence in conflict. Rival tribes had previously agreed to a ceasefire that lasted approximately one month. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi reported on September 27 that violence in Parachinar has claimed the lives of at least 60 people. Many others have sustained injuries. He stated, “As many as 60 people have died in Parachinar, and dozens are injured.”
Tensions Escalate in Parachinar
The unrest began over disputes related to land and construction of trenches, with ongoing clashes causing significant disruption in the area. Police noted that reports of violent encounters emerged across various locations, which resulted in the closure of the Peshawar-Parachinar road.
In response to the turmoil, local leaders from the Turi-Bangash tribes called for immediate government intervention. They aimed to resolve the conflict peacefully. “No one will benefit from the ongoing conflict,” warned tribal leaders during a gathering in Parachinar. They emphasized that administrative negligence had exacerbated the situation.
Trade Resumes at Torkham Border
In related news, trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan via the Torkham border has gradually resumed. Truckers are utilizing the difficult Shalman-Malagori route to transport goods. On August 21, hundreds of Kukikhel tribesmen blocked the Peshawar-Torkham Highway. This action effectively closed the border to heavy traffic. The tribesmen demanded the return of over 6,000 displaced families to their ancestral lands.
Authorities have allowed limited traffic on an unpaved dirt road running parallel to the main highway. Drivers reported that the alternate routes, though operational, are challenging due to poor conditions and treacherous turns, often resulting in accidents.
Customs officials at Torkham reported substantial daily losses due to the trade halt. They estimated that the suspension caused losses of approximately $2.5 million for exports and Rs550 million for imports each day. Traders and transporters who suffered significant losses during the border closure find some relief in the recent trade resumption. However, the trade volumes remain modest compared to pre-crisis levels.
Customs Clearing Agents Protest New Policy
In another development, customs clearing agents protested against a new policy requiring goods clearance at the Machni checkpost instead of the main Torkham customs terminal. They demanded that authorities restore the previous procedure, stating that “Machni is not part of the main Torkham terminal,” and vowed to block goods clearance if officials do not meet their demands. As the situation continues to evolve, local leaders and authorities must work together to establish lasting peace in the region and ensure that they adequately address the needs of residents and traders.
