Residents of Abdavi Border Demand Protection of Ancestral Lands and Priority in Trade Permits

Turbat (Correspondent)** – Residents of Abdavi border and surrounding areas including Karpasi, Charpan, Pish Daraj, and Kalag Tagran have urged the government to ensure the protection of their ancestral lands along the Pakistan-Iran border. A delegation led by local elder **Jalal Khan, son of Qadardad**, formally submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner of Kech, raising concerns over potential encroachments and the rights of indigenous communities.

The delegation, representing the border region of **Tehsil Tump**, emphasized that the lands in question have been under the hereditary ownership of the local population for generations. Due to prolonged droughts and worsening economic conditions, many residents were forced to migrate in search of livelihood, temporarily vacating their lands.

In their plea, the delegation highlighted that in the past, locals had willingly allowed the use of their land for security check posts and government infrastructure without seeking compensation. However, they now fear that these lands may be allotted to non-local entities, jeopardizing their ownership and rights.

Jalal Khan, speaking to the media, stated that while the residents do not object to non-locals conducting business at the Abdavi border, **they oppose permanent (concrete) constructions by outsiders**, which could threaten the legal status of local land ownership. The delegation has demanded:

1. **Official recognition and protection of ancestral lands.**
2. **Issuance of business permits to locals on a priority basis.**
3. **Prevention of concrete constructions by non-residents.**

The application, submitted by **Jalal Khan as the legal representative (Mukhtar-e-Aam)** on behalf of all stakeholders, underscores the need for legal safeguards and equitable development that respects the rights and heritage of indigenous communities in the border region.