THE recent outbreak of violence in Chaman, which left at least 40 injured, among whom 17 were security officials, serves as a reminder of the deep-seated grievances simmering in the border town. The root of the protesters’ discontent lies in the government’s decision to enforce a one-document regime, requiring valid passports and visas for crossing the Chaman border. This policy, introduced in October to curb security risks and smuggling, has disrupted long-standing routines whereby people on both sides would cross freely with their identity cards for family visits, trade and daily labour. Economically, the border protests have taken a heavy toll, with daily losses estimated in the tens of millions. The border closure has no doubt exacerbated poverty in an already impoverished region. In an effort to address the economic fallout, the government has opened a border market to provide traders with a local venue for commerce, eliminating the need to cross into Afghanistan. Additionally, a monthly stipend of Rs20,000 is being paid to daily-wage workers. But the protests have continued for over six months. It begs the question: why has the matter failed to see a resolution? Why the stiff resistance to the visa policy?
There have been several rounds of talks between government representatives and local leaders. What complicates matters are special interest groups that benefit from the status quo. The lucrative nature of illegal trade that flourished under an undocumented regime means these groups benefit from maintaining the current chaos. It is suspected that some political parties are also complicit, benefiting from the smuggling operations, and thereby allowing the protests to continue. The decision to introduce the visa policy is not without merit. Besides curbing smuggling, given the recent uptick in terrorism, strengthening border security is necessary. To resolve this impasse, the government must investigate and prosecute these complicit groups. Alongside this, similar to opening the border market, which is a commendable step, it must invest in local industries and job creation. It must also continue to engage in dialogue with local leaders to avoid setbacks. It is also crucial for the federal government to foster better coordination with Kabul to manage border policies that respect both nations’ security and economic interests. With a recalibrated approach, the government can transform this volatile border into a zone of prosperity.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024
