Chaman closure

Published August 28, 2016

THE Pak-Afghan border crossing at Chaman, Balochistan, has been closed by Pakistani authorities since Afghan protesters burnt this country’s flag and reportedly vandalised the Friendship Gate at the crossing on Aug 18. Two separate demonstrations were held on the day in the vicinity, one on the Pakistani side to protest against Indian Prime Minister Modi’s inflammatory remarks targeting Pakistan, the other across the border, where a gathering to celebrate Afghanistan’s independence took on a decidedly anti-Pakistan tone. As is the case when hyper-nationalistic sentiments are whipped up, the Afghan demonstrators reportedly ended up attacking the border gate and burning the Pakistan flag. In reaction to this, the local authorities have kept the crossing shut; vehicles and people have been unable to cross the border for the last 11 days, with Islamabad insisting that Kabul apologise for the provocation.

While the flag-burning stunt is indeed deplorable, the fact is that common people on both sides of the border are suffering due to the closure. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 traders cross over daily, while trucks laden with perishable produce are waiting in queues, with their cargo bound to spoil in the summer heat. Moreover, vehicles carrying supplies for Nato forces in Afghanistan have also been held up. While Islamabad is well within its rights to protest the desecration of the national flag, it should take steps immediately to reopen the crossing and let common people cross the border. The incident should not be lumped together with the larger Pak-Afghan relationship, which, at this point in time, is anything but cordial. Earlier on, the Torkham crossing was also closed for a brief period. In fact, if Pakistan showed magnanimity over the issue and reopened the Chaman crossing, it would send a positive signal to Kabul. Those elements — such as militants — that are standing in the way of better Pak-Afghan relations should be the ones prevented from crossing the border, not ordinary citizens of both countries.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...
Provincial share
Updated 17 Mar, 2024

Provincial share

PPP has aptly advised Centre to worry about improving its tax collection rather than eying provinces’ share of tax revenues.
X-communication
17 Mar, 2024

X-communication

IT has now been a month since Pakistani authorities decided that the country must be cut off from one of the...
Stateless humanity
17 Mar, 2024

Stateless humanity

THE endless hostility between India and Pakistan has reduced prisoners to mere statistics. Although the two ...