Syed Sardar Muhammad Khondai;Â
CHAMAN: In a massive public demonstration, thousands of residents of Chaman took to the streets on Thursday, demanding the immediate reopening of the Pak-Afghan border, restoration of cross-border trade, and employment opportunities for the local population.
The protest, organized by the All Parties Trader Lugri Ittehad and Civil Society, was held in front of the Deputy Commissioner Complex Chaman under tight security arrangements. Volunteers and local law enforcement personnel were deployed in large numbers to maintain peace during the gathering. Protesters carried white flags, symbolizing their commitment to a peaceful demonstration.
Prominent political leaders, including Senator Maulana Abdul Wassey (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam), Asghar Khan Achakzai (Awami National Party), Nasrullah Khan Zerey (Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party), Ahmed Jan Khan (Pashtun Democratic Movement), Syed Agha Mehmood Shah, and Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Yousaf, addressed the gathering. Local leaders of the Trader Ittehad and Civil Society also spoke on the occasion.
Speakers highlighted that the closure of the Pak-Afghan border had severely affected trade and livelihoods in the region. They urged the government to restore uninterrupted border trade and take immediate measures to create job opportunities for the people of Chaman.
Participants emphasized that Chaman’s people have long relied on border trade for their economic survival, and the prolonged closure has deepened poverty and unemployment. They expressed hope that authorities will take practical steps to revive trade and stabilize local businesses.
Leaders also stated that if their demands are not met, the protest movement will be expanded across Balochistan in the coming days.
