KHYBER – The business community in Landi Kotal observed a shutter-down strike on Saturday to protest the alleged abduction of arms dealer Zareef Shinwari, alias Landay Haji, and demanded his immediate and safe recovery.
Under the banner of Anjuman-e-Tajeran, Landi Kotal, traders partially closed their businesses and staged a demonstration at Bacha Khan Chowk. Tribal elders, political and social activists, and relatives and friends of the missing businessman also attended the protest.
Addressing the rally, speakers said a week had passed since Zareef Shinwari was allegedly abducted or went missing, but his whereabouts remained unknown.
They expressed concern that no government institution had so far acknowledged his detention and that he had not been produced before any court.
The protesters said that if Zareef Shinwari had been taken into custody by any government agency, he should immediately be produced before a court and the charges against him should be made public.
Carrying banners and placards bearing slogans in support of his recovery, the protesters demanded that the government ensure his immediate recovery and provide relief to his family and the wider business community.
They warned that their protest would continue until the trader was recovered.
Meanwhile, a protest sit-in has reportedly been continuing for the past week on the Pak-Afghan Highway at the Charwazgai point over the alleged abduction of the local trader.
