Tensions are escalating in Khyber district as local leaders and traders demand the resignation of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of failing to advocate for the reopening of the Torkham border. A protest rally in Landi Kotal highlighted growing frustration over the prolonged closure that has crippled bilateral trade with Afghanistan. Main Developments The demonstration, jointly organized by the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association and the youth group Tanzeem-i-Naujawanan, drew tribal elders, civil society members, and political party representatives. Speakers including Mirajuddin, Hashim Afridi, Shah Faisal Afridi, Shah Hussain Shinwari, Shah Khalid, Murad Hussain, Mujeebullah Shinwari, Maulana Shoeb, and Israr Shinwari addressed the crowd at Bacha Khan Chowk. Protesters argue that despite having two senators, one MNA, three provincial assembly members, and a provincial minister from Khyber, these officials have remained silent about the border's closure. They claim over ten months have passed without meaningful action from the provincial government to address the economic and psychological toll on thousands of border trade workers. Read also: Islamabad's 26,000 out-of-school children: NCHD enrolment drive hits halfway mark Background The Torkham border crossing, a vital trade artery between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was abruptly shut down under the guise of security concerns. This closure has severely impacted local laborers, daily wage earners, transporters, and the broader business community who depend on cross-border commerce. Critics point out a stark contradiction: while the federal government invested millions of rupees in constructing a modern border terminal at Torkham to boost trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian states, the crossing remains sealed without a political resolution. The provincial government's involvement has reportedly been limited to social media posts rather than raising the issue in legislative bodies. Why It Matters The prolonged closure represents more than an economic inconvenience; it signals a governance failure that affects regional trade aspirations with Central Asia. Hundreds of families have lost their primary source of income, and the lack of political advocacy undermines trust in elected representatives. Speakers emphasized that the provincial government appears unaware of the actual forces behind the closure, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The situation highlights a disconnect between infrastructure investment and the political will needed to operationalize it. What's Next Protest organizers have urged the provincial government to organize rallies supporting border reopening, similar to demonstrations held for the release of their party leader. The demand for resignation signals that local stakeholders are prepared to escalate their campaign if no tangible progress emerges on the legislative front. Whether the chief minister or provincial representatives will address the matter in upcoming assembly sessions remains uncertain, as does the timeline for any federal-level intervention to resolve the border impasse.