The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the chief of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan, has called for the reopening of border crossings with Afghanistan, the regularisation of trade with Iran, and the completion of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, describing these steps as necessary for economic stability and public relief, Pakistan Today reported.
Addressing a public gathering in Zhob held under the slogan
“Badal Do Nizam,” Rehman said improved regional trade and energy cooperation
could help reduce economic pressure on citizens.
He also announced that his party would stage a nationwide
strike after Eid al-Adha in protest against rising fuel and electricity prices,
urging public and business support, particularly in Balochistan.
Rehman proposed forming a joint committee of tribal elders
and traders from both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to facilitate
the reopening of crossings, including Chaman. He also suggested establishing
special border trade zones and involving local tribes in maintaining security
along trade routes.
Criticizing current border arrangements, he said crossings
were being opened selectively, affecting thousands of livelihoods, and called
for trade with Iran, especially petroleum products, to be brought under legal
frameworks.
At the same gathering, Hidayatur Rehman Baloch highlighted
issues in Balochistan, including insecurity, unemployment, and governance
challenges, and urged compensation for traders affected by recent incidents.
Pakistan’s border regions with Afghanistan have long faced
disruptions due to security concerns, policy restrictions, and intermittent
closures, which have often affected local trade and cross-border movement.
