Pashtun Tribal Jirga Calls for Reopening of Chaman Border Crossing

DID Press: A Pashtun tribal jirga urged the Pakistani government to reopen the Pakistan–Afghanistan border crossing at Chaman, allowing thousands of travelers—including traders stranded in Afghanistan after the border closure due to clashes in October—to resume movement.

Amanullah Khan and Malik Abdul Khaliq Lala Ghabezai, tribal elders, said at a press conference on Tuesday (Dec. 23) that trade has been suspended for the past two months and all commercial activity in the border region has come to a complete halt.

“Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan are not being allowed to return to Pakistan by the relevant authorities,” said Malik Ghabezai, adding the situation has created serious humanitarian concerns and called for immediate permission for those trapped across the border to return home.

The tribal elders noted that thousands of people with valid passports and visas have been stranded in Afghanistan for weeks, with many legal documents now expired, exacerbating their problems.

Similarly, thousands of trucks carrying household goods for migrants remain stuck at the border. Drivers and helpers face severe food shortages and lack any source of income, placing their families back home in extremely difficult conditions.

The jirga leaders also highlighted that people at 22 checkpoints between Chaman and Quetta face humiliation and extortion, strongly condemning these practices. They called on authorities to allow residents of Chaman to move freely and to remove these checkpoints.

The tribal elders further announced a three-day national Pashtun jirga will be held to highlight and address the issues of Chaman residents and other affected areas.