The city of Chaman continues to be a flashpoint of unrest as clashes between protesters and law enforcement entered their third day. The ongoing skirmishes have left eight security personnel and twelve civilians injured, pushing the total number of casualties to sixty since the protests began. The confrontations have also led to the arrest of 45 individuals, accused of damaging public and private property and assaulting security forces.
The unrest in Chaman, a key city on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has been simmering for months. Protesters have been voicing their opposition to the recently enforced requirement for passports and visas for cross-border travel. The situation took a violent turn two days ago when demonstrators interfered with a polio vaccination campaign, leading to heightened tensions and subsequent clashes with security forces.
Security measures have been intensified in response to the escalating violence. Law enforcement agencies have detained numerous individuals amidst accusations of vandalism and aggression towards officials. Despite these efforts, the protests show no sign of abating, with demonstrators continuing to express their grievances vehemently.
The conflict has also had significant repercussions on regional infrastructure. Passenger train services between Quetta and Chaman have been suspended due to the violent disruptions, adding to the city’s woes. The suspension of this vital link has further inconvenienced the local population, already grappling with the fallout from the ongoing turmoil.
The border city has seen its share of troubles, but the recent mandate requiring passports and visas for cross-border travel seems to have exacerbated tensions to an unprecedented level. The situation remains volatile, with authorities struggling to restore order and protesters adamant in their demands for policy reversal.
