Paktia-Paktika road reopens after 5 months

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Gardez- Dand-i-Patan road, connecting Paktia and Paktika provinces, has been reopened for traffic as a result of a security operation, an official said on Monday.

The road had been blocked by the Taliban in Ahmadkhel and Merzaki districts five months ago. The closure resulted in serious problems for the people.

Zaman Khan, a resident of Dand-i-Patan district, said people suffered multiple problems due to the blockade of the road. Civilians were unable to travel confidently, he added.

Sediq Zazai, a taxi driver, said after the blockade of the road, people had to travel to Khost City before going to Gardez — a time-consuming trip.

“The Taliban are not interested in peace and they underline their own demands. Therefore, we are sad. The Taliban kept this road closed for five months. Now the road is in dilapidated condition. At times, our patients breathed their last on the way to hospital.”

Paktia Governor Mohammad Haleem Fidae said the first option to reopen the road was talks. Therefore, it took time. The Taliban did not value the option. As a result, the government decided to reopen the road through a military operation, he said.

“Fortunately, the road was reopened today and measured for durable stability and peace have been put in place,” the governor concluded.

nh/mud