Border Trade Closure is “Anti-Pashtun Policy,” Claims Rahim Ziaratwal, Demands Reopening of Trade Routes

Chaman – Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) central general secretary Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal has strongly criticized the closure of border trade routes, terming it an “anti-Pashtun policy” aimed at depriving Pashtuns of their natural resources and forcing them into poverty and labor.
He made these remarks while addressing meetings held in Chaman regarding preparations for a public rally. Party leaders and workers from various committees attended the meetings.
Ziaratwal said that the alleged closure of border trade has caused severe economic damage to Pashtuns in Chaman and other areas, including Kadanai Pishin, Badini, Qamaruddin Karez, Ghulam Jan Bandar, Angoor Adda, Torkham, and Nawa Pass (Bajaur). He said that decades-old cross-border movement and trade along the Durand Line have been disrupted, resulting in widespread unemployment.
He demanded the immediate reopening of all traditional trade routes along the Durand Line to restore historical trade and movement between people on both sides.
He further said that a separate autonomous national unit called “Pashtunistan” should be established, comprising Pashtun-inhabited areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, British Balochistan regions, Attock, and Mianwali. He also demanded recognition of Pashtuns’ rights over their resources and equal participation in governance within Balochistan.
Ziaratwal alleged that Pashtuns across Pakistan are facing severe economic hardships, stating that they are not being allowed to freely conduct business or trade in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and others. He also criticized customs and excise raids on commercial centers, saying they cause massive financial losses.
He urged party workers to intensify political efforts under the leadership of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, strengthen the organization, and actively prepare for the upcoming public gathering.
The meetings were chaired by Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal and attended by several party leaders, including Senior Vice President of Balochistan and Quetta District Secretary Syed Sharaf Agha, Provincial General Secretary Kabir Afghan, Acting District Secretary Jamal Khan Achakzai, Tehsil Boogra Secretary Zohar Ahmad Achakzai, and Senior Assistant Secretary Ahmadzai.
Other participants included Central Secretary Salahuddin Khan Nazim, Provincial Executive members Iqbal Khan Batezai and Hafeez Tareen, along with members of the Chaman district committee.