Protests Resume in Chaman Against Passport Requirement for Pakistan-Afghanistan Travel

Chaman:Protests have resumed in Chaman as the local Chaman sit-in committee announced renewed demonstrations against the passport requirement for travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The committee alleges that the promises made regarding border movement based on identification cards and tazkira (Afghan identity documents) have not been honored.

A rally led by Dr. Mah Rang Baloch was held on Thursday evening on Padi Zar Marine Drive in Gwadar, with a large turnout of participants, including women. The rally began at Syed Yadgaar Chowk and concluded at the sit-in site.

During the gathering, Dr. Baloch announced that a ceremonial “Swagandi Deewan” would be held at the sit-in site at 10 AM the following morning. After this, the sit-in in Gwadar would be concluded, and a convoy would head to Turbat for an assembly scheduled at 4 PM.

The Chaman sit-in committee, representing the Lugri (laborers) Union and the Lugri Traders Union, has condemned the imposition of the passport requirement, which was enforced by the previous caretaker government in October of the previous year. Prior to this, daily cross-border movement from Chaman to Afghan markets was carried out using Pakistani ID cards and Afghan tazkira. The prolonged sit-in, which lasted until July 21, 2023, was one of the longest in Chaman’s history, drawing significant daily participation due to local support.

Trader leader Sadiq Achakzai stated that the promises made during negotiations for the restoration of the old system of movement were not fulfilled. The new restrictions, which only allow Afghan tazkira holders to reach the parking area of the Friendship Gate and not beyond, are seen as a breach of the previous agreements.

Achakzai emphasized that the demands include allowing Chaman and Qilla Abdullah residents to travel to Afghanistan with Pakistani ID cards and Afghan tazkira holders to move up to Qilla Abdullah. The protests will be intensified if the government does not adhere to these demands.

Security officials have countered by stating that the one-document regime (passport requirement) at the Chaman border has not been canceled. According to a security official who requested anonymity, only registered local laborers will be allowed to cross into Afghanistan using ID cards, while registered Afghan laborers will be restricted to the taxi stand at the border. All other travelers will be required to use passports.

The ongoing border tensions and restrictions have significantly impacted trade and transit between the two countries, leading to arrests and heightened tensions in recent months. The protests have disrupted international trade routes and affected Afghan transit trade.