Mohmand residents seek Gursal border reopening

MOHMAND: Residents of Khwezai Baizai tehsil have urged the government to reopen the Gursal border crossing with Afghanistan, saying the closure has restricted economic opportunities and added to the difficulties faced by communities living along the border.

The demand was raised by members of a local jirga, who also called for the reconstruction of damaged roads and public infrastructure and improvements in healthcare and education facilities.

Jirga chairman Bakht Buland Khan, general secretary Niaz Wali, Malik Fazal Manan and other elders told reporters that people in the area were struggling with unemployment, inadequate public services and deteriorating government buildings.

Flood-damaged bridge adds to hardship

One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by the jirga was the absence of a permanent bridge over a stream near Kozo Kas.

According to the elders, the bridge was washed away almost two years ago but has still not been rebuilt. Its absence has created serious transportation problems for thousands of residents, particularly those who need to travel to schools, hospitals and markets.

During heavy rainfall and flooding, residents are reportedly forced to wait for hours before the route becomes usable again.

The jirga members said the damaged crossing had become more than a transportation problem, affecting daily life and limiting access to essential services.

They complained that repeated appeals to the relevant authorities had failed to bring a lasting solution.

Calls for better schools, hospitals

The residents also expressed concern about the condition of schools, healthcare centres and government buildings across the tehsil.

They said better public services were essential for improving living conditions and supporting the socioeconomic development of communities in the border region.

The elders urged the authorities to repair roads, reconstruct the damaged bridge and upgrade educational and healthcare facilities on an urgent basis.

Border reopening linked to jobs

The reopening of the Gursal crossing was presented as another key demand, particularly for its potential to revive local trade and generate employment.

The jirga members said restoring cross-border commercial activity could provide new opportunities for young people in an area where unemployment remains a major concern.

They urged the government to take practical steps to reopen the crossing and support legitimate trade between communities on both sides of the border.

For residents of Khwezai Baizai, the demands are closely connected: better roads and infrastructure, functioning public services and a reopened border could help improve both everyday life and economic prospects.

The elders appealed to authorities to address their longstanding grievances without further delay, warning that continued neglect would deepen the difficulties faced by the border population.