Chaman Border Closure Has Deprived Millions of Livelihoods, Trade Routes Must Be Reopened: Jamaat-e-Islami Leader
QUETTA: Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan Emir and Member of the Balochistan Assembly, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, has called for the immediate reopening of the Chaman border for legal trade and pedestrian movement, saying its prolonged closure has deprived millions of people of their livelihoods.
Addressing a public gathering organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Chaman to protest the continued border closure, unemployment, inflation, and deteriorating security, Hidayat-ur-Rehman said the suspension of cross-border trade had left countless families struggling to earn a living.
He said residents of the border region, traders, and daily wage earners have been severely affected by the closure, while unemployment, rising inflation, and insecurity have made life increasingly difficult. He also called for improved security on national highways from Chaman to Karachi and across Balochistan so that people could travel without fear.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader condemned the recent killings of civilians in Mastung and other parts of Balochistan, accusing the authorities of failing to address the province’s pressing public issues.
Hidayat-ur-Rehman alleged that those in power were more focused on protecting their own interests than addressing unemployment, poverty, and the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens. He said governments have a constitutional responsibility to provide employment, peace, quality education, healthcare, and justice, adding that those unable to fulfill these obligations should relinquish office.
He also paid tribute to journalists working in Balochistan, saying they continue to perform their professional duties despite difficult and dangerous conditions, and reaffirmed his party’s support for press freedom and the media community.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader further claimed that Balochistan is facing multiple challenges, including border closures, disrupted trade, unsafe highways, shrinking employment opportunities, poor internet connectivity, prolonged electricity and gas load-shedding, and limited access to justice, all of which have compounded public hardship.
Other speakers at the gathering, including Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan General Secretary Murtaza Khan Kakar, Deputy Emir Maulana Arif Damar, and Deputy General Secretary Qari Imdadullah, said the party had consistently highlighted Balochistan’s issues both inside and outside the provincial assembly.
They urged the government to immediately reopen the Chaman border for legal trade and pedestrian crossings, restore security on highways, create employment opportunities, and protect the constitutional, economic, and human rights of the people of Balochistan. The speakers maintained that lawful trade and constructive relations with neighboring Afghanistan would contribute to regional peace and economic prosperity.
