NATO supply truck drivers on the lookout for other options

Peshawar, Dec.15 (ANI): Frightened by the recent torching of truck-trailers in terminals in Peshawar, drivers who used to take NATO supplies to Kabul are on the look out for other options.

The truck drivers fear their lives are at stake.

Two drivers belonging to Punjab's Mianwali District were shot dead by the militants during an attack on NATO supply terminals on December 7. The drivers were dragged out of the trucks and shot dead.

Drivers are now of the opinion that this profession is no longer safe and does not have much to offer both in terms of money and facilities.

"The situation here has deteriorated rapidly, and I am wondering how we could make it to Kabul in such circumstances. I never imagined that the situation in Peshawar would deteriorate to such an extent that I will have to try my luck in some other business," said Sher Alam Shinwari , a truck driver.

Shinwari currently earns eight thousand rupees, besides some extra money for each trip to Kabul.

He was attacked near Torkham some months back, but was fortunate enough to escape unhurt.The gunshot on the windscreen of his vehicle stands as testimonyto brush with death. he threat to life increases manifold in Khyber Agency, where the trucks have to cross into Afghanistan at Torkham.

"Militants crouch in the mountainous areas of the Khyber Pass to attack supplies and this threat is increasing with each passing day," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

Hakim Khan,another driver,said he has made up his mind to leave the job and shift to another one.

"Previously, trucks were torched in Afghanistan, but now the same thing has also started here. I am planning to drive a rickshaw in the city," he said.

Initially, the trucks traversed the Indus Highway and entered Peshawar through the semi-tribal Darra Adamkel, but this route has been abandoned due to the militant threat. (ANI)