CHAGAI: A protest sit-in was held on Monday by Anjuman Tajiran, Labour Union and members of different political parties against prolonged closure of trade and travelling corridors at Taftan border.

This was the second protest sit-in this month staged by the traders against blockade of the trade corridors.

The protesters blocked the highway in front of Pakistan Gate, suspending trade activities between Pakistan and Iran for almost 20 hours.

They chanted slogans for acceptance of their demands.

Speaking to protesters, Labour Union president Haji Khuda-i-Nazar, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam leader Maulvi Najeebullah and Anjuman Tajiran president Amanullah Muhammad Hasni said that people of the area were suffering due to prolonged closure of tax-free trade gate Zero Point. He said Bazarchah’s closure by the FBR had also reduced employment opportunities for the local people.

“The travelling gate Rahdari, a special permit for 15 days, which used to be given to local people living along the border on both sides, has also been closed,” they said.

They demanded of the government to reopen the trade and travelling corridors, including the immigration clearance at Taftan border.

Later, the protesters suspended their sit-in for four days after talks with Taftan Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Hussain and Tehsildar Zahoor Ahmed Baloch.

The protesters were informed by Mr Hussain that their demands had been conveyed to the provincial government and Iranian authorities.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2021