KABUL (TOLOnews): Protesters in Chaman once again demanded an end to the economic blockade imposed by the Pakistani government. These protests have been ongoing for seven months in response to the mandatory requirement of having a passport and visa by the Pakistani government at the Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing.
Protesters, who are spending their days and nights alongside roads during the month of Ramadan, have said they will continue their fight to gain their rights. According to these protesters, since the passport and visa became mandatory, 15,000 people have lost their businesses and are now in a poor economic situation.
Sadiq Khan Achakzai, the spokesperson for the protest movement in Chaman, said: “There is no flour, no dry bread, we ask people to bring Iftar here.”
Abdul Baqi, a member of the protest movement in Chaman, said: “Those who have gathered here for Iftar cannot find bread in their homes. The situation of the people is very bad. We ask the government and the people to consider our demands.” Ghousullah, the head of this protest movement, has stated that despite the many challenges facing the residents of Chaman, they will continue their fight to gain their rights. “Our people are tired, movement should be free, and they should be allowed to tend to their livelihoods,” he said.
Meanwhile, officials from the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Industries have said that since the start of the movement, the import and export process for Afghan traders has also faced challenges, and they are looking for alternative solutions.
Sayed Sarwar Amani, the head of the Kandahar Chamber of Mines and Industries, said: “The neighboring country sometimes exploits our situation. Our officials, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Economy, have paid attention to this issue and are working on it.”
Although the protesters in Chaman hoped that the arrival of the new government in Pakistan would solve their problem, the new Pakistani government has not yet taken any practical steps in this regard.
Protests in Chaman hindering the local economy
