Chaman Protests have brought life in the border town of Chaman to a standstill for nearly two weeks. The protests, sparked by new border crossing regulations and actions by security forces, have forced the closure of public and private banks. Offices like the passport office, deputy commissioner, and Customs have been shut since earlier this month. This shutdown followed clashes between protesters and security forces.
Protesters, including traders, political leaders, and daily wage workers, have blocked the Quetta-Chaman national highway. This crucial highway connects Pakistan with Afghanistan. Hundreds of trucks and vehicles loaded with goods for Afghan transit trade are stranded on both sides of the border. They have been waiting for the highway to reopen.
Muhammad Imran Kakar, president of the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said over the phone that all trade activities in Chaman have been suspended since May 4. The Chaman Protests have stopped all import and export between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Chaman border.
The fresh wave of protests started after two people were killed in a clash with security forces in Chaman. Protests have been ongoing in Chaman since October 2023. The unrest began when the government banned crossing the Pakistan-Afghanistan border without valid travel documents. This new ‘one document regime’ has made life difficult for many.
Mr. Kakar said thousands of daily wage laborers, who work at the border and engage in small trade, have lost their jobs due to these new regulations. Two weeks ago, negotiations took place between protesters and the Balochistan government. However, they failed to reach a breakthrough.
The government delegation, led by Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai and Home Minister Ziaullah Langove, couldn’t convince the leaders of the all parties traders alliance to end the Chaman Protests. The protesters demand the withdrawal of the new regulations. They want to return to the old system that allowed travel on Pakistani National Identity Cards and Afghan ID cards, called Teskera.
Mr. Kakar mentioned that the protesters were assured that the issue would be resolved during Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s visit to Chaman. However, almost two weeks have passed, and he has not yet visited Chaman.
The Chaman Protests continue, leaving life and trade activities in limbo at this crucial border crossing.
