On the verge of decay: Traders ask forces to help retrieve timber from Tirah

Harvested wood was left behind after militancy took hold in 2011

TIRAH: Timber merchants of Khyber Agency have requested Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor, Peshawar corps commander, IGFC and the operation commander of Khyber-II to help them evacuate timber lying in Mehraban Kalay, Kuki Khel.

Addressing a crowded news conference in Jamrud Press Club on Friday, the merchants said harvested timber worth millions is decaying in the area in the wake of massive migration after militants took control in 2011.

“The harvested timber is exposed to all kinds of threats, including theft and decay, said Haji Kitab Shah. He added some of it is already being smuggled to Peshawar and sold illegally in the market.

He said Kuki Khel’s residents left their homes and moved to Jamrud for the sake of peace in the country, leaving behind their valuable commodities.

Shah added since many areas of Tirah, including Meherban Kallay, have been cleared during Khyber-II operation, the army and other relevant officials should allow merchants to retrieve the wood and bring it to Jamrud.

“This is the only hope for tribesmen to earn some income so their families do not starve,” he added. Other merchants Anar Khan, Akhtar Ahmad and Zareef Khan were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2015.