Once thriving trade hubs remain crippled by unemployment and crumbling infrastructure
PESHAWAR:
The historic commercial centers of Bara Bazaar and the main markets of Tirah in the Khyber tribal district continue to suffer severe economic decline, widespread unemployment and lack of basic amenities, leading to strong demands from local traders, workers and displaced businessmen for swift government intervention.
Speaking to The Express Pakinomist, President of Bara Traders Union Syed Ayaz Wazir said that before 2009, Bara Bazaar was a famous commercial hub famous across the country, housing over 10,000 shops and thousands of warehouses. People from all over Pakistan would travel there in search of livelihood due to brisk transit trade and other business activities that provided employment to thousands of workers.
Wazir recalled that the market was closed in September 2009 due to a military operation against terrorists and remained closed for several years. During this period, most markets were deserted, shops and buildings suffered extensive damage, and all commercial activity came to a standstill. The market reopened in February 2016, but traders lacked the necessary capital to revive their businesses.
“Eleven years have passed since the market reopened, but it has failed to regain its former glory,” Wazir said with regret. Stressing that development is impossible without peace and stability, he called on all relevant authorities to effectively fulfill their responsibilities to restore confidence among traders and the public.
He highlighted that the roofs of most shops were heavily damaged during the prolonged closure. Many have collapsed during rains, causing economic losses and in some cases injuries. Wazir urged the provincial government to provide interest-free loans to affected traders and complete the reconstruction of damaged markets and shops.
He also demanded the establishment of a modern training center in Bara Bazaar to equip young traders and workers with business and professional skills, which he believes would create respectable employment opportunities for local youth.
Expressing grave concern over the dysfunctional sewage system, Wazir said that rainwater floods markets and shops due to poor drainage while the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) has virtually no presence. He appealed to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who hails from the area, to issue special directives to improve clean drinking water, electricity, gas, road surfaces and sanitation on a priority basis.
President of Tirah Traders Community, Muhammad Sher Afghan Afridi, said that over 8,000 traders along with the local population were displaced from Tirah Maidan and are currently living as IDPs. Only about 10 percent have managed to restart businesses in Bara, Jamrud or Peshawar, while the majority remain unemployed and destitute.
Afridi said that the Tirah trading community has suffered losses of over Rs 500 million in the last four months alone, with the losses increasing daily. Markets in Lorbagh, Barbagh and Pir Mela have been badly affected by road construction and monsoon rains.
