Economic crisis grips Bara, Tirah bazaars

The historic commercial centers of Bara Bazaar and the main markets of Tirah in Khyber tribal district continue to suffer from severe economic decline, widespread unemployment, and a lack of basic amenities, prompting strong demands from local traders, laborers, and displaced businessmen for swift government intervention.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, President of the Bara Traders Union Syed Ayaz Wazir said that before 2009, Bara Bazaar was a renowned commercial hub famous across the country, housing over 10,000 shops and thousands of warehouses. People from across Pakistan would travel there in search of livelihood due to vibrant transit trade and other business activities that provided employment to thousands of workers.

Wazir recalled that the market was shut down 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 heavy damage, and all commercial activity came to a halt. The market was reopened in February 2016, but traders lacked the capital needed to revive their businesses.

"Eleven years have passed since the market reopened, yet it has failed to regain its past glory," Wazir said with regret. He stressed that development is impossible without peace and stability, urging all relevant authorities to fulfill their responsibilities effectively to restore confidence among traders and the public.

He highlighted that the roofs of most shops were badly damaged during the prolonged closure. Many have collapsed during rains, causing financial losses and, in some cases, injuries. Wazir called on 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 vocational skills, which he believes would create respectable employment opportunities for local youth.

Expressing serious concern over the dysfunctional sewage system, Wazir said 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 for improving clean drinking water, electricity, gas, road pavements, and sanitation on a priority basis.

President of the 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 per cent have managed to restart businesses in Bara, Jamrud, or Peshawar, while the majority remain unemployed and in distress.

Afridi said the Tirah trading community has suffered losses exceeding Rs500 million in the last four months alone, with losses mounting daily. Markets in Lorbagh, Barbagh, and Pir Mela have been badly affected by road construction and monsoon rains.