Peshawar-Torkham Highway reopened on Sunday after Sultan Khel tribesmen ended a protest against recent targeted killings in Khyber district, local reports said.
The highway had been blocked by protesters from the Zaka Khel tribe after two Sultan Khel residents were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Friday evening. The incident took place in an area where two policemen had also reportedly been targeted over the past few months.
The protest disrupted traffic on the key route linking Peshawar with the Torkham border and temporarily affected the repatriation of Afghan families through the crossing.
Peshawar-Torkham Highway reopened after talks effort
The road was reopened after a negotiating committee made up of young Sultan Khel tribesmen was formed to hold talks with government officials. The committee is expected to discuss steps to restore peace in Landi Kotal tehsil and improve security along the main road.
A representative of the protesters said residents wanted stronger action against targeted killings and better protection from nighttime militant movement reported in the area. No date for formal negotiations between the authorities and the newly formed committee has been announced.
Peshawar-Torkham Highway protest linked to security concerns
The protesters demanded either a complete ban on pillion riding on the main road or permission only for riders who are officially registered with traffic police and security forces.
The committee also agreed to end a local boycott of the polio vaccination campaign. Government and private educational institutions in the area are expected to reopen on Monday.
Residents said many young people were angered by the handling of the security situation, particularly because they believed tribal elders had not properly consulted them during discussions with government officials.
Torkham route remains vital for border movement
The Peshawar-Torkham Highway is one of the most important routes connecting Pakistan with Afghanistan. Any closure on the road can affect cross-border movement, trade, local travel and the repatriation process for Afghan nationals.
The latest protest highlights continuing security concerns in parts of Khyber district, where residents have called for stronger protection after repeated attacks. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the Friday killings.
The reopening of the highway has restored movement for now, but the protesters’ demands suggest that local communities are seeking longer-term security measures rather than temporary assurances.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 8, 2026
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