Economy – Bara and Tirah Markets Continue Facing Severe Financial Crisis

Economy – The long-standing commercial centres of Bara Bazaar and the major trading areas of Tirah in Khyber district continue to struggle with declining business activity, growing unemployment and weak civic infrastructure. Local traders and residents say the prolonged economic downturn has left thousands of families under financial pressure and are urging authorities to take immediate corrective measures.

For decades, Bara Bazaar was considered one of the busiest trade hubs in the region, attracting merchants, transporters and labourers from different parts of Pakistan. According to representatives of the local business community, the market once housed over 10,000 shops and large storage facilities that supported extensive transit trade and provided income opportunities to thousands of workers.

Traders Recall Years of Economic Disruption

President of the Bara Traders Union, Syed Ayaz Wazir, said the commercial landscape changed drastically after security operations began in 2009. He explained that the market remained closed for several years, forcing traders and labourers to abandon their businesses and livelihoods.

During that period, a large number of commercial buildings and warehouses reportedly suffered structural damage, while economic activity in the area almost completely stopped. Although the market resumed operations in 2016, many shopkeepers lacked the financial resources needed to restore their businesses to previous levels.

Wazir stated that despite more than a decade passing since the reopening of the market, commercial activity has not fully recovered. He noted that investors and traders continue to face uncertainty, which has slowed economic growth in the area.

Demand for Financial Support and Reconstruction

Local business leaders believe long-term stability and stronger government support are necessary for rebuilding confidence among traders. Wazir stressed that peace and proper administrative management are essential for reviving economic activity in Bara Bazaar.

He also highlighted concerns about damaged infrastructure inside the market. According to traders, many shop roofs weakened during years of closure and neglect. Several structures have reportedly collapsed during heavy rainfall, resulting in financial losses and injuries in some cases.

To support recovery efforts, traders have requested interest-free loans for affected shopkeepers and reconstruction assistance for damaged markets. Business owners say such measures could help small traders restart operations and reduce unemployment in the district.

Call for Vocational Training and Youth Opportunities

Community representatives have also urged the provincial government to establish a modern vocational and business training institute in Bara Bazaar. They believe skill development programmes could create better employment opportunities for local youth and help reduce economic dependency.

Wazir explained that many young residents remain unemployed due to the lack of professional training and limited business growth in the region. A dedicated training centre, he said, could prepare workers for modern trade and technical sectors while supporting the local economy.

Civic Problems Continue Affecting Daily Trade

Apart from financial concerns, traders are also facing serious civic challenges. Business owners complain that the drainage and sewage system in the market remains largely ineffective, causing rainwater to accumulate inside shops and commercial streets during monsoon weather.

Residents and traders say poor sanitation and weak municipal services have further complicated business operations. Concerns have also been raised regarding shortages of clean drinking water, unstable electricity supply, gas connectivity and damaged roads.

Local representatives have appealed to the provincial administration, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, to prioritise development projects in the area and improve public facilities on an urgent basis.

Tirah Traders Struggle With Displacement and Losses

Meanwhile, the trading community from Tirah continues to face major economic hardships after years of displacement. President of the Tirah Traders Community, Muhammad Sher Afghan Afridi, said more than 8,000 traders and residents from Tirah Maidan remain displaced and are living away from their native areas.

According to Afridi, only a small percentage of displaced traders have managed to restart businesses in Bara, Jamrud and Peshawar. Many others are still unemployed and dependent on temporary sources of income.

He further stated that traders from Tirah have suffered financial losses exceeding PKR 500 million during the past four months. Markets located in Lorbagh, Barbagh and Pir Mela have reportedly been heavily affected by ongoing road construction work and seasonal rains, adding to the difficulties already faced by the local business community.