Ghulam Khan border crossing to reopen in two days: officials

ISLAMABAD: The Ghulam Khan border crossing with Afghanistan will be reopened within two days, officials in North Waziristan tribal district said on Tuesday.

The key trade route was shut following a deadly attack on security forces in Mir Ali on June 28, which resulted in the martyrdom of 13 personnel, according to the military.

On June 29, the local administration closed the Ghulam Khan crossing and its terminal for six months on security and administrative grounds, suspending bilateral trade with Afghanistan.

The closure had left hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides during the peak season for fresh fruits and vegetables.

On Tuesday, a tribal Jirga of the Utmanzai tribe met military officials in Miranshah to discuss peace and security issues in the region. Maj-Gen Adil Iftikhar, GOC 7th Division, assured tribal elders that the border point would reopen either on Wednesday or Thursday, according to officials.

Tehsildar Ghani Wazir also confirmed the reopening while speaking to Chairman Business Community Sanaullah Hamzoni, journalist Amir Suhail Dawar told HUM News English.

Military officials said the curfew would be relaxed for emergencies and that internet services would soon be restored, journalist Zainullah Khan reported. Remaining matters would be addressed by security officials in coordination with members of the Utmanzai National Jirga.

A series of Jirgas have been held in recent weeks with tribal elders and local officials to find ways to counter the growing militancy threat and restore normalcy. Security officials have sought the cooperation of tribal elders to maintain peace in the region.

In a July 2 Jirga, Utmanzai elders had distanced themselves from violence and requested one month to build consensus on key issues.

In an earlier Jirga held last Friday, it was decided to lift restrictions on petrol stations, restore mobile and internet services, and ease movement at checkpoints. The administration also agreed to follow the education board’s decision on matriculation exams, which were earlier postponed due to unrest.

Efforts are underway to lift curbs on development projects and public activities within the next two weeks.