The residents of southern Ghazni province say the Ghazni-Paktika road remains closed for traffic over the past one year due to which commuters have been facing numerous issues.
The Taliban in Ramadan last year stormed the Andar district of Ghazni, after which the road was closed for traffic.
Ezzatullah, a driver, told Pajhwok Afghan News they have been in trouble due to the road’s closure.
“The Taliban have closed the main highway and we use sub-roads and cover one hour journey in three hours,” he said.
Samiullah, a shopkeeper, said the road blockade had affected the market and the prices of commodities.
“In the past our business was really good as most people from Paktika were our customers but after the closure of the road, people could not travel to Ghazni and our business has been affected.”
Naqibullah, a resident of Ghazni City, said security forces conducted a clearing operation to open the road, but were unable.
Governor Wahidullah Kalimzai said he often talked to Kabul officials regarding the reopening of the highway.
“The Taliban closed the highway to collect taxes and intimidate people,” he said.
He pledged to conduct a clearing operation to reopen the highway once the number of security personnel needed here was completed.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Ghazni-Paktika highway had been closed only against government personnel.
“Common people can travel on the highway, there is no problem for them,” said Mujahid.
