South Waziristan tribal elders decry hardship as Wana-Gomal Zam Road remains in ruins

LOWER SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Residents on Tuesday decried the deteriorated condition of the Wana-Gomal Zam Road — one of the most important trade and communication routes in the region — as it has reached the point of near collapse. The road not only serves as a vital link between Wana and Gomal Zam but also connects Pakistan with Afghanistan through the Angoor Adda border crossing. However, years of neglect, damaged infrastructure and recurring weather-related destruction have made it increasingly difficult to navigate the route. Back in February, the strategically significant route had already been in disrepair back in February. Now, nearly four months later, residents say the road has become virtually unusable. Deep potholes, muddy stretches, broken surfaces and unpaved sections have made travel both difficult and dangerous. Several bridges and culverts along the route have also been damaged or rendered ineffective, further worsening the situation. Speaking to Dawn on Tuesday, elders from the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe expressed frustration over what they described as the administration’s indifference towards the road’s worsening condition. “The road is not only essential for the people of South Waziristan but also plays a crucial role in regional trade and economic activity,” a tribal elder said. “Its current condition is causing immense hardship to the local population and affecting business on both sides of the border.” The elders recalled that substantial funds had previously been approved for the reconstruction of the road. However, they claimed that the project was later removed from the provincial development programme, resulting in the suspension of rehabilitation efforts and further deterioration of the route. Meanwhile, the executive engineer of the Communication and Works Department, Ikram Wazir, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that the Wana-Gomal Zam Road had become largely unfit for travel due to extensive damage caused by heavy rains, flash