Residents of southwestern Pakistani border town end months-long protest against strict visa policy

Local tribesmen and traders set up a protest camp against the new visa and passport policy at Pakistan Afghan border in Chaman, Balochistan on November 22, 2023. (AN Photo/File)
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Updated 22 July 2024
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Residents of southwestern Pakistani border town end months-long protest against strict visa policy

  • Traders, residents were protesting against Pakistan’s strict passport and visa policy at Chaman crossing with Afghanistan since Nov. 2023
  • Balochistan official says protesters have accepted the government’s passport and visa policy, however, protest spokesperson says otherwise 

QUETTA: A body of local tribesmen and traders on Sunday called off its nine-month-long sit-in protest against the government’s strict visa policy in the southwestern Chaman town bordering Afghanistan, with its spokesperson saying the decision had been taken after the government accepted its demands and released detained protesters. 

Pakistan’s interim government last year tightened its travel policy for citizens of all neighboring countries following deadly attacks in the country’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and southwestern Balochistan provinces. Pakistan shares a 2600-kilometer porous border with Afghanistan which lies through KP and Balochistan. The Chaman border crossing is one of the key border crossings between the two countries in Pakistan’s Balochistan that connects with Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. 

Since Pakistan’s independence from British India, Islamabad has been practicing a relaxed travel policy for residents living in border towns on either side. Local tribesmen and traders in Pakistan’s border areas could previously cross into Afghanistan through Chaman by showing their National Identity Cards. Afghan nationals in Kandahar, meanwhile, were allowed to enter Pakistan after showing their Afghan national identity document, also known as “Tazkira.”

But the Pakistani government in October 2023 announced a strict policy that allows only residents of Chaman and Kandahar to cross the border by showing their proof of residence. The rest of the citizens from both countries were required to have passports and visas to travel across the border. Furious traders in Pakistan had opposed the move, saying the strict policy would hamper their economic activities as daily over 15,000-20,000 people use the border crossing to travel between the two countries. They staged a sit-in protest for nine months at the border crossing, causing trade between the two countries to remain at a standstill. 

Raja Athar Abbas, Chaman district’s deputy commissioner, said organizers of the sit-in protest had agreed to follow the government’s visa policy. 

“There will be special areas for laborers depending on daily wages through the border trade and only they can travel with their National Identity Cards,” he told Arab News on Sunday.

Malik Inayat Kasi, former Balochistan home minister and tribal elder who addressed the protesters on Sunday, said the government had succeeded in addressing a key issue of the province. 

“The protesters have accepted the passport and visa policy at the Chaman border that was announced by the Government of Pakistan,” he told Arab News. 

However, Olas Yar, the spokesperson of the protesters, said the sit-in had been called off after the provincial government had accepted all of their demands and released detained protesters who were charged with various crimes. 

“Today we have ended our protest after Mr. Kasi assured us that the government has accepted all of our demands,” Yar told Arab News. 

He said the protesters will observe the situation during the next two days, warning that if the government does not allow them access to border markets in Afghanistan under the previous conditions, they will protest again. 

Pakistan has been witnessing an uptick in militant violence in its northwestern and southwestern regions, particularly after the Pakistani Taliban called off their fragile truce with the government in November 2022. The militant group, which is said to have sanctuaries in neighboring Afghanistan, is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban.

The recent attacks also prompted authorities in Pakistan last year to ask all illegal immigrants to leave the country by November 1, 2023. Islamabad says it has so far deported over 620,000 Afghan nationals who were living in the country illegally and has vowed to continue doing the same. 


FBI adds Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan to most-wanted list over 2007 agent abduction

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FBI adds Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan to most-wanted list over 2007 agent abduction

  • Special Agent Robert Levinson disappeared from Iran’s Kish Island, with US blaming three Iranian officials
  • FBI says Tehran tried to shift blame on a militant group operating in Pakistan’s volatile Balochistan region

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday added Iran’s current ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, to its list of most wanted individuals, accusing him and two other Iranian officials of involvement in the 2007 abduction of a retired special agent from Iran’s Kish Island.

The FBI said the release of “Seeking Information” posters featuring the three senior Iranian officials was part of its ongoing investigation into Robert A. “Bob” Levinson’s disappearance and Iran’s alleged efforts to conceal its responsibility.

The other two named individuals are Taghi Daneshvar, identified as a counterespionage officer in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, a senior MOIS deputy who served as Iran’s ambassador to Albania before being expelled in 2018.

“These three intelligence officers were among those who allegedly facilitated Bob’s 2007 abduction and the subsequent cover-up by the Iranian government,” Steven Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, said in the statement. “Bob likely later perished in captivity far away from his family, friends, and colleagues.”

“The FBI will continue its relentless pursuit to hold anyone involved in his abduction to account for their reprehensible actions,” he added.

According to the FBI, Moghadam, also known as Ahmad Amirinia, led MOIS’s operations unit at the time of Levinson’s abduction. The agency said European-based MOIS agents reported to him in Tehran.

The statement said authorities in Tehran attempted to shift blame for the FBI agent’s abduction onto a militant group operating in Pakistan’s Balochistan region.

The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to Levinson’s location, recovery and return.

In addition, the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $20 million for relevant information in the case.


Pakistan hikes petrol price by Rs5.36, diesel by Rs11.37 per liter

Updated 22 min 38 sec ago
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Pakistan hikes petrol price by Rs5.36, diesel by Rs11.37 per liter

  • Petrol now costs Rs272.15 per liter while HSD has risen to Rs284.35
  • The OGRA-recommended prices will remain valid till the end of July

KARACHI: Pakistan’s government has increased the price of petrol by Rs5.36 per liter and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs11.37 per liter for the next fortnight, the Finance Division announced late Tuesday.

The revised prices took effect from today, July 16.

According to the official notification, petrol now costs Rs272.15 per liter, up from Rs266.79, while HSD has risen to Rs284.35 per liter from the previous Rs272.98.

“The Government has revised the prices of petroleum products for the fortnight starting tomorrow, based on the recommendation of OGRA [Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority] and the relevant Ministries,” the Finance Division said in its statement.

Fuel prices in Pakistan are adjusted every two weeks and are influenced by global oil market trends, currency fluctuations and changes in domestic taxation.

The increases have a direct impact on inflation, raising production and transportation costs and driving up the prices of essential goods and services, particularly food. The effect is further amplified by Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuel.

This marks the third consecutive increase in fuel prices. On June 16, the government raised petrol by Rs4.80 per liter and HSD by Rs7.95. Another hike followed on July 1, with petrol up by Rs8.36 and HSD by Rs10.39.

Fuel price volatility escalated last month during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, when Pakistan instructed oil marketing companies to maintain mandatory reserve levels.

While the government ruled out supply shortages, the conflict triggered concerns about a potential disruption in oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.


Senior Pakistan general pledges deeper strategic ties with China at PLA anniversary

Updated 16 July 2025
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Senior Pakistan general pledges deeper strategic ties with China at PLA anniversary

  • General Sahir Shamshad Mirza commends Beijing for turning China into a ‘pillar of peace and stability’
  • He reiterates ‘unwavering commitment’ to ensuring security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan

KARACHI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening ties with China, while addressing a ceremony marking the 98th founding day of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), according to an official statement.

Islamabad and Beijing are long-time allies and have jointly pursued multibillion-dollar infrastructure, energy and regional connectivity projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The corridor provides Beijing with direct access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan’s Gwadar port, while enabling Islamabad to modernize infrastructure and boost regional trade.

The two countries also maintain close cooperation in defense and security. Earlier this month, India’s Deputy Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, claimed China had provided Pakistan with “live inputs” during a four-day military conflict with India in May. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, in an exclusive interview with Arab News last month, described the outcome as a “victory” that was entirely “Made in Pakistan.”

“In his address, the CJCSC highlighted the enduring and time-tested ‘Iron-clad brotherhood’ between Pakistan and China, with shared resolve to broaden and deepen this unique relationship across all domains,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.

“He commended PLA’s pivotal role under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Xi Jinping for China’s remarkable development and rapid modernization, which has transformed People’s Republic of China into a key pillar of peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement added. “CJCSC highlighted China as a stabilizing factor in the regional security dynamics.”

The event, held in Rawalpindi, was attended by a wide cross-section of civilian and military officials, diplomats, media representatives and business leaders.

General Mirza also reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to ensuring the security of Chinese nationals working in the country.

Thousands of Chinese citizens are employed across dozens of CPEC-linked projects, many of which are located in volatile regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where separatist and militant groups have repeatedly targeted foreign workers.

Chinese nationals have also come under attack in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial capital, prompting authorities to implement tighter security protocols.


Former Pakistan PM’s ex-wife Reham Khan launches Pakistan Republic Party

Updated 16 July 2025
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Former Pakistan PM’s ex-wife Reham Khan launches Pakistan Republic Party

  • Reham describes move as ‘national mission’ to restore hope and dignity for Pakistanis
  • She came into the spotlight after marrying former prime minister Imran Khan in 2015

ISLAMABAD: Reham Khan, ex-wife of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, on Tuesday announced the launch of a new political party — the Pakistan Republic Party — aimed at representing women, farmers and other marginalized groups.

A journalist by profession, Reham first entered the political spotlight in January 2015 after marrying the cricketer-turned-politician, who was then chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

She was allegedly involved in behind-the-scenes politics that sparked controversy within PTI, with some senior party members uncomfortable with her presence and eventually sidelining her from party affairs.

The couple divorced less than a year later, with Reham later claiming that political pressure contributed to the split.

“Today, I am sharing the name [of my party] with you, InshAllah, Pakistan Republic Party, which would speak of a republic, where there will be no room for mob behavior, where horizontal leadership will be spoken about, and where those with working experience, what we call ‘lived experience’ in English, will be given representation,” she said at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club.

She pledged to push for legal reforms that improve the lives of ordinary citizens — especially women and farmers — and called for policies that reflect the public’s real struggles.

Reham described the initiative as a national mission rather than just a political movement, focused on restoring hope, dignity and meaningful representation.

“This is a party for the public,” she later said in a post on X. “I will involve you, the public, in the manifesto, the direction, the operating structure.”

“Already been connected to amazing people that you & I have never heard of, but they have been doing great work in their hometowns,” she continued. “These fresh faces will decide how to proceed.”

The announcement comes as PTI begins a 90-day “do or die” protest movement calling for Imran Khan’s release. The former premier remains in jail on multiple charges he says are politically motivated.

Earlier this month, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr., grandson of the late former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, also announced plans to form a political party focused on farmers’ rights.


Pakistan’s new federal force sparks fears of political repression ahead of Khan party protests

Updated 16 July 2025
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Pakistan’s new federal force sparks fears of political repression ahead of Khan party protests

  • The Pakistani government says new force should not be mistaken for federal police, calls the move an ‘administrative necessity’
  • Analyst says it remains to be seen how the new force will operate nationwide, given that law and order became a provincial subject

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s transformation of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) border paramilitary force into a federal force ahead of planned protests by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party this week sparked fears of political repression in the country, with opposition members and analysts saying the new nationwide force could be used as a “tool to suppress political opponents.”

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari allowed the government to turn Frontier Constabulary into the national security force, called Federal Constabulary, through an ordinance on Monday in order to support law enforcement agencies and to address evolving security challenges across the South Asian country.

The paramilitary force was initially formed to uphold law and order in border and frontier regions, according to the ordinance. However, the evolving conditions, marked by frequent emergencies, natural disasters, civil disturbances and other emerging risks, created the need for a more flexible and capable force to effectively respond to these challenges.

The move has raised concerns among opposition parties, particularly Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which fears that the new force could be used as a means of political repression amid its 90-day anti-government protest movement, announced on July 13.

“From the looks of it, it’s a safe assumption that such laws are being inflicted, just ahead of political movement announced by PTI, as a tool to suppress political opponents,” Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, a close Khan aide, told Arab News.

Frontier Constabulary (FC) personel detains a supporter of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, during a protest a day after the assassination attempt on Khan, in Islamabad on November 4, 2022. (AFP/File)

Pakistan ranks as the second-most affected country by militancy, according to The Global Terrorism Index 2025. Militancy-related deaths surged by 45 percent, rising from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024, marking one of the steepest global increases. The attacks in Pakistan more than doubled, from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024.

The new duties of the Federal Constabulary, whose cadres were previously recruited only from tribes in the northwestern KP province, will include internal security, riot control and counter-terrorism.

The government’s move to transform the force came ahead of planned protests by Khan’s PTI on Aug. 5, the second anniversary of his arrest. Several such protests by the party since Khan’s brief arrest in May 2023 have turned violent, in some cases paralyzing the capital Islamabad for days.

In the near future, PTI’s Bukhari said, it would be clear if the law was being introduced to, in fact, address security challenges or to stop any political movement that could endanger the existence of the “current, so-called democracy.”

“The new force should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents as has been previously witnessed, when the government applied such laws against a large number of the PTI leadership and supporters,” he added.

Khan’s party has been protesting to secure to secure his release and an audit of the Fed. 2024 general election, which it says was rigged to benefit its opponents. Pakistan’s election authorities deny the allegation, while the government accuses Khan’s party of attempting to disrupt its efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth through violent protests.

Ali Imtiaz Warraich, the PTI parliamentary leader in the Punjab Assembly, said “crushing the public mandate” would never result in stability of the country.

“Federal and Punjab governments’ only focus is PTI and all actions taken are only PTI-centered,” he told Arab News, adding that it had not worked in past, nor would it work in future.

However, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the Federal Constabulary should not be mistaken for a federal police force.

“It will continue to function as a constabulary as the restructuring and renaming are solely aimed at strengthening internal and national security,” he said this week, adding the overhaul was institutionally essential to enhance coordination, improve compensation and build operational capacity of the force throughout all provinces and territories.

“This is entirely a defense-oriented initiative intended to reinforce national security by supporting law enforcement agencies,” he added.

Frontier Constabulary (FC) security personnel stand guard on a road, during an anti-government "Azadi March" led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in Islamabad on October 31, 2019. (AFP/File)

Chaudhry stated the restructuring was also an administrative necessity as despite its significant contributions, the force had long been overlooked and continued to function with limited salaries and benefits compared to other security forces in Pakistan.

“Its transformation into a federal force is to eliminate existing disparities by upgrading its structure and scope under the new title,” he said, adding the reorganization was aimed at ensuring that FC personnel receive salaries, training and benefits at par with other national security forces.

Under the new federal framework, FC’s jurisdiction would extend across all four provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, according to the minister.

“While continuing to perform its duties under this redefined structure, the Federal Constabulary will build on its longstanding role in combating drug trafficking and smuggling and in assisting civil law enforcement during sensitive occasions such as Muharram, general elections and anti-polio campaigns,” he said.

Arab News spoke to some analysts about the government’s move, who voiced concerns about the timing, intent and potential misuse of the new force.

“There is always a risk of such a force being misused in Pakistan,” Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Islamabad-based think tank Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), told Arab News.

“The Frontier Constabulary was already under federal control, so it’s unclear why this transformation was necessary, especially at a time when the country’s major opposition party has announced a protest movement.”

Ather Kazmi, an analyst and political commentator, said the urgency with which the revamp was carried out through an ordinance had raised many eyebrows.

“Although the government claimed it was an administrative necessity, its timing and urgency have led PTI and others to believe it has political purposes,” he told Arab News.

Kazmi said it remained to be seen how the new force would operate after its jurisdiction was extended nationwide, given that law and order became a provincial subject after the 18th amendment of the Constitution of Pakistan.

“It would not be easy for the government to deploy this force in provinces governed by the opposition, such as KP,” he noted.