Pakistan Enforces Strict Border Control: Passport Mandatory at Chaman Border from November 17

Independent desk. Nov. 14
The Pakistani government has announced that starting November 17, travelers crossing the Chaman border will be required to present a valid passport, ending the previous practice of accepting national identity cards or Afghan Tazkira.¹ This decision comes after the expiration of the deadline given by the government to implement the one-document policy.

No Entry Without Passport_: Travelers without a passport will be turned back at the border.
– _Stricter Security Measures_: The move aims to enhance security and regulate cross-border movement.
– _Impact on Local Communities_: The new policy may affect the livelihoods of people who frequently cross the border for trade, business, or family visits.The All Parties Traders Laghari Alliance has been protesting at the Chaman border for 13 months, demanding relaxation of the policy for local residents. The protest committee has given a deadline of November 22 to both governments to allow local residents to cross the border with local documents. If the demand is not met, they will announce a new course of action.

This development highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in managing the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with concerns over security, trade, and human movement.