Chaman residents protest against passport policy

Residents of Chaman have been engaged in a sit-in protest for the past nine months, with recent clashes causing injuries and leading to the suspension of train services. The protests, organized by locals under the All-Parties Tajar Laghri Ittehad, are a response to the government's Passport Trolling Policy in Chaman.

The city witnessed a complete shutdown on the third day of the protests, as all markets and shops remained closed. Tensions rose when security forces used shells against protesters, resulting in locals storming public offices. Ongoing clashes between security forces and demonstrators have further intensified the situation in Chaman.

The residents' main grievance is against the passport system, which poses challenges due to the unique geographical location of their homes straddling the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The implementation of this system by the previous caretaker government's interior minister has restricted the daily movement of over 35,000 people who cross the border for employment purposes.

The prolonged protests in Chaman highlight the deep-seated concerns of the residents regarding the passport policy and its impact on their daily lives. As the standoff continues, it is crucial for authorities to address the grievances of the locals and work towards a resolution that ensures the rights and mobility of the affected population.