Protesters close Spin Boldak-Chaman road, eye visa free travel

KANDAHAR (Pajhwok): Protestors on Monday closed the Spin Boldak-Chaman road against vehicular and people’s movements and only allowed Afghan refugees returning to the country.

Staging a sit-in since a month, the protestors blocked the Spin Boldak-Chaman road between Afghanistan and Pakistan against recent travel restrictions introduced by the Pakistan government.

A protester, Rahmatullah, said they had informed all traders and other people a few days ago about the closure of the crossing.

He said only Afghan refugees returning Afghanistan were allowed and other vehicles would not be allowed to cross the border indefinitely.

Another protester Shamsullah also said their protest would continue until Pakistan reversed its decision making visa and passport mandatory for entry into the country.

He said they would never accept travel on passport on the road and the government of Pakistan could not separate the Afghans living on both sides of the Durand Line.

Since November 1, Pakistan has restricted crossing the gate between Spin Boldak and Chaman without passport.

Thousands of people would do business on the road, something that has come to a halt.

With the closure of the road, vehicles loaded with commercial goods have also been stranded on both sides.

Mohammad Shafiq Achakzai, Spin Boldak Chamber of Commerce, said traders were aware the protestors would close the road and they moved their goods to Spin Boldak district.

He said only one vehicles with commercial goods was standing in Chaman and two vehicles on this side. He said traders would not export or import goods until the road was reopened.

Afghan authorities have not yet commented about the closure of the route, but Maulvi Ali Mohammad Haqmal, Spin Boldak district chief, confirmed that the gate had been closed against vehicles and only returning Afghans were allowed.

The government of Pakistan has not yet accepted the demand of the protestors who are insisting they will not accept Pakistan’s conditions under any circumstances.

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