Asmat Hanafi:Â
Khanozai — A large number of people from three tehsils, including areas such as Bostan, Gawal Khanai, Khushab, Zarghoon, Khanuzai, Rod Mulazai, Dalsora, Charmiyan, Margha, Zakriazai, Sharn, Balozai and Nighanda, on Tuesday blocked the National Highway at Khanozai to press for the restoration of Karizat’s district status.
The protesters announced an open-ended strike, stating that the highway would remain closed to all types of traffic until the government reinstates the district notification that was issued three years ago and later withdrawn.
The blockade has caused serious inconvenience to commuters and transporters, with intercity travel and goods movement coming to a halt. Protesters said the decision to shut down the main highway was taken after repeated requests and appeals to the authorities failed to yield any response.
They questioned the government’s stance, asking why Karizat was declared a district three years ago if it did not meet the required criteria, and why the notification was later withdrawn without consulting local representatives.
Demonstrators said the ongoing disruption was not their preference but a result of the government’s continued rigidity, leaving residents with no option but to take to the streets.
The protesters urged the government to immediately engage in dialogue with local elders and the Karizat Action Committee to resolve the issue peacefully. They warned that the protest would continue until a formal notification restoring Karizat’s district status is issued.
They further stated that any hardship faced by travelers and nearby residents due to the road closure would rest solely with the authorities if the issue remains unresolved.
