Afghan Protesters Resume Demonstrations Demanding Rights at Spin Boldak-Chaman Crossing

Afghan protesters have resumed their demonstrations after a 23-day pause, demanding the reopening of the Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing. The movement began months ago due to Pakistani visa requirements. Protest leaders vow to continue until their demands are met, calling on human rights organizations for support.

Protesters in Afghanistan have resumed their demonstrations after a 23-day pause in response to the continued closure of the Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing, Afghanistan-based Tolo News reported. Residents of Chaman originally initiated their protests eleven months ago in reaction to the Pakistani government's requirement for visas and passports at the Spin Boldak-Chaman border.

There have been numerous incidents where Pakistani forces fired at protestors, yet their demands remain unaddressed. Protesters declared that this time their movement will be more expansive, and they will persist until their demands are accepted by the Pakistani government, refusing to succumb to pressure.

"We will continue our new protest and will spare no effort in securing our rights. If the Pakistani government accepts our demands, the protest will end immediately," Tolo News quoted Sadiq Achakzai, the spokesperson for the Chaman protest movement. "I urge all residents of Chaman to come to the streets and participate in this protest because this is our final battle for freedom," Tolo News reported Amir Muhammad, a leader of the Chaman protest movement.

Several protesters have called on human rights organizations to assist in their "final battle for freedom", Tolo News cited Javid Afghan, a member of the Chaman protest. "We call on global human rights organizations to hear our voice and restore the rights of Chaman residents who have been deprived of them," Afghan said.

"We will not yield to any pressure and will not give up our demands for our rights. Our struggle is peaceful, and we are seeking our rightful entitlements," Tolo News quoted Hayatullah, another protest member. On June 8, the Baloch People's Congress, a political organization advocating for Baloch rights, sharply criticized the violence in the Chaman area.

The statement highlighted, "The brutality of Pakistan's Punjabi army on the peaceful protest and sit-in of the people for their rights in the Chaman area of Balochistan is alarming and condemnable. For several months, Chaman residents have engaged in a peaceful sit-in for their social and economic rights, which remain unheard. Unfortunately, this peaceful sit-in is met with continuous violence by the state army," the statement concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)