Pakistan’s JUI Leader Calls for Immediate Reopening of Border Crossings with Afghanistan
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, leader of Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami, criticized Islamabad’s policies regarding the Durand Line during a public gathering in Zhob, Balochistan. He called for the immediate reopening of commercial border crossings with Afghanistan. He stated that the closure of the Torkham and Chaman crossings has severely impacted the livelihoods of thousands of families living in border areas and has brought bilateral trade to a standstill.
According to him, political tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban administration have led to a reduction in formal trade between the two sides, causing significant losses for traders on both sides of the border. He emphasized that continuing this situation primarily harms ordinary people and small traders, stressing the need to separate political issues from trade processes.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also highlighted the importance of completing the gas pipeline project and facilitating the trade of petroleum products with Iran, viewing them as crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability. He announced plans to organize a nationwide strike after Eid al-Adha to protest rising fuel prices.
At the gathering, several speakers criticized the Pakistani government’s inability to secure and effectively manage the border crossings. They suggested transferring the management of trade routes to tribal elders in the border regions. Additionally, they called for compensation for traders who have suffered losses due to repeated blockades.
