Surging Social Unrests in Chaman
- Intensifying Clashes in Chaman: Protests and violence have erupted due to the government's new passport requirement for crossing the Chaman border, disrupting local livelihoods.
- Protesters' Concerns: The new passport rule negatively impacts traders, who argue that the previous requirement of a computerized ID card was more practical.
- Need for Dialogue and Solutions: Both local leaders and the government should engage in dialogue to find alternatives and address the people's grievances to prevent further escalation.
A massive clash between the locals and security forces has been erupted in Chaman, Quetta, which is exacerbating with the passage of time, due to the growing mistrust between the people and the government. The laymen and traders are infact on roads for months, in Baluchistan particularly in Chaman since the government has made passport mandatory to cross the Chaman Boarder. The whole region turned into a battlefield when the security agencies and local administrations tried to disperse the demonstrators to open the Quetta-Chaman highly, which was blocked for months, because of the ongoing sit-in. The protesters have vandalized the Deputy Commissioner office soon after the arrest of the dozens of protesters including their leaders by the local police and Levis. Situation is worsening day by day; the stubbornness from both sides, are unfortunately, adding the fuel on fire.
The government claims that the new laws are promulgated to control illegal trade and terrorism, without having any intension to entice the laymen. Protesters, however, are of the view that the former regulations were more convenient as they only required computerized identity card issued by NADRA. The new restrictions are bitterly affecting their trade and business activities, as most of the people do not have the passport.
Considering the sensitivity of the situation, both the local elders and the government should have to sit on the table to find a middle way, rather escalating the tensions. Policymakers need to consider the grievances of the people, as their bread and butter are solely depend on it. There must be some alternative source of income, for instance, local industries and markets for the indigenous people before curbing the informal economy, is inevitable, otherwise such actions will further deteriorate the security situation of the state, in general and the Baluchistan, in particular. Moreover, native populace also have to take some responsibilities by ensuring that the transit route will not be used for anti-state activities.
