Staff Reporter:
QUETTA: The Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) organized protest demonstrations in Quetta and other parts of the province in solidarity with the participants of the Chaman sit-in. Party workers gathered outside all deputy commissioners’ offices to exert pressure on the federal government to address their demands.
“We seek uninterrupted trade and movement at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman,” demanded Abdul Qahar Wadan, the PKMAP provincial president. Mr. Wadan led a protest demonstration at the main Bacha Khan Chowk in Quetta, as per the party’s announcement made earlier.
Prolonged Sit-In At Chaman For Almost 2 Months
These demonstrations come almost two months after thousands of tribesmen, including political workers, daily wage laborers, and members of the trading community, have been staging a prolonged sit-in at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman.
The protesters carried placards and banners with slogans demanding an end to the passport and visa regime at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman. The prolonged sit-in, spanning nearly two months, is a response to the federal government’s decision to introduce passports and visas at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman.
Protesters Urge Govt To Review Its Decision
“Local tribesmen have been facing challenges due to the newly introduced policy,” said Abdul Qahar Wadan. He urged the government to review its decision and ease trade and movement regulations for the people of Chaman and the surrounding areas.
PKMAP workers also staged protest demonstrations in Chaman, Killa Abdullah, Pishin, Loralai, Zhob, and other Pashtun-dominated areas of Balochistan to support the demands of the Chaman sit-in participants.
Administration Strict Security Measures
The PKMAP workers passionately chanted slogans in support of the Chaman sit-in, demanding an end to what they referred to as an anti-people decision adopted by the federal government.
No untoward incidents were reported from any part of the province during the protest demonstrations organized by the PKMAP. Local administrations had implemented strict security measures to maintain order during the demonstrations.
