The closure leaves travelers and transporters stranded and affects those who travel during Ramadan
The Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which connects Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remains closed after a suicide attack at the nearby Dajal check post on Tuesday, causing serious disruption to traffic and transportation of essential goods PHOTO: EXPRESS
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
The Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which connects Punjab with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, remained closed on Wednesday after a suicide attack at the nearby inter-provincial check post in Dajal area of Bhakkar in Punjab a day earlier, causing serious disruption in traffic and transportation of essential goods.
Yesterday at 6:45 pm, a suicide bomber detonated explosives near a checkpoint just next to the Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which links Dera Ismail Khan to Punjab, killing two policemen and injuring several others.
The Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which connects Punjab with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, remains closed after a suicide attack at the nearby Dajal check post on Tuesday, causing serious disruption to traffic and transportation of essential goods PHOTO: EXPRESS
In response, security was stepped up in DI Khan and Bhakkar districts. The 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 are stuck here since then,” said the driver of a tanker 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 face delays, affecting markets in Dera Ismail Khan.”
Another driver, Umar, transporting vegetables from Multan, reported similar difficulties. “We have been stranded since last night. The police told us that a search operation is underway and the road will only reopen once it is clear,” he said.
Read: Three federal police officers martyred in terror attack in KP’s Karak district: police
Milkmen also expressed their frustration. “After inspections, we are allowed to pass, but the delays are significant,” said one of them.
Punjab Police issued a warning urging travelers to avoid non-essential travel. “If travel is essential, carry complete identification and vehicle documents. Please cooperate fully with the police and administration and avoid unnecessary arguments,” the advisory said.
The closure has left travelers and transporters stranded, especially affecting those traveling for work, deliveries and essential services during Ramadan. Officials said they are working to safely reopen the bridge once the area is fully secured.
