Pakistani tribesmen vow to halt supplies to allied forces in Afghanistan

Supporting the latest stance of Pakistan on cross-border incursions by the US-led allied forces stationed in Afghanistan, tribesmen belonging to Pakistan's Khyber tribal region have threatened to block the Peshawar-Torkham Road being used for supplies to the allied forces in the war-ravaged neighbouring country if the attacks in the tribal continued.
"Only civilians are being targeted and killed in the unwarranted attacks from across the border while those wanted to the United States are safe so far," said elders from Kukikhel tribe of Khyber Agency, bordering Afghanistan.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar Tuesday, tribal elders Malak Israrullah, Taj Mahal advocate, Malak Juma Gul, Haji Barak and others praised the "change" in the Pakistan government's policy on the US airstrikes in the tribal region. They said the tribesmen had been encouraged by the army chief's statement about sovereignty of the country and would fully support the armed forces in stopping attacks by American forces in the tribal areas.
Most of the food items, oil and other supplies for the US and Nato bases in Afghanistan are transported through this mountainous route from Peshawar to Torkham.
The tribesmen did not set a deadline for blockade of the route, Malak Israrullah said: "We shall look to the government before setting a deadline."
About their earlier demand of Pakistan troops' withdrawal from the tribal region, Haji Barak said the situation had changed now. “Earlier, the army was taking instructions from Pervez Musharraf but now an elected government is in place and the tribesmen are ready for all possible cooperation with the army and the present government,” he said.