Closure leaves commuters and transporters stranded and affects those traveling during Ramazan
The Dera Darya Khan Bridge, linking Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remains closed after a suicide attack at the nearby Dajal checkpoint on Tuesday, causing severe disruption to traffic and transport of essential goods PHOTO: EXPRESS
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
The Dera Darya Khan Bridge, connecting Punjab with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, remained closed on Wednesday after a suicide attack a day earlier at the nearby inter-provincial check post in Dajal area of Bhakkar in Punjab, causing severe disruption to traffic and transportation of essential goods.
At 6:45 p.m. yesterday, a suicide bomber detonated explosives near a checkpoint right next to the Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which connects Dera Ismail Khan to Punjab, killing two policemen and injuring several others.
The Dera Darya Khan Bridge, linking Punjab to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, remains closed after a suicide attack at the nearby Dajal checkpoint on Tuesday, causing severe disruption to traffic and transport of essential goods PHOTO: EXPRESS
In response, security has been tightened in DI Khan and Bhakkar districts. Punjab Police closed the Dera Darya Khan Bridge to traffic and launched a search operation in the area.
“The road has been blocked since last night and we have been stuck here ever since,” said an oil tanker driver traveling from Dera Ismail Khan to Mahmood Kot in Muzaffargarh.
“If the road remains closed, fuel shortages could occur at the pumps. Wheat and other supplies from Punjab could also be delayed, affecting markets in Dera Ismail Khan.”
Another driver, Umar, transporting vegetables from Multan, reported similar difficulties. “We have been stuck since last night. The police told us that a search operation was underway and the road would only reopen once it was cleared,” he said.
Read: Three Federal Police personnel martyred in terror attack in KP’s Karak district (police)
The milkmen also expressed their frustration. “After the inspections, we are allowed to pass, but the delays are significant,” said one.
Punjab Police have issued a warning urging travelers to avoid non-essential travel. “If travel is essential, carry complete identity documents and vehicle documents with you. Cooperate fully with the police and administration and avoid unnecessary arguments,” the advisory said.
The shutdown has left commuters and transporters stranded, particularly affecting those traveling for work, deliveries and essential services during Ramazan. Authorities said they were working to safely reopen the bridge once the area was fully secured.
