CHAMAN: Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, central general secretary of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, has said that the closure of border trade routes was aimed at economically marginalising Pashtuns and depriving them of access to their resources and livelihoods.
Addressing meetings held in connection with preparations for a public gathering in Chaman, he said the shutdown of key crossings, including Chaman, Angoor Adda and Torkham, had severely affected employment and trade across Pashtun areas.
Mr Ziaratwal demanded the immediate reopening of all trade and transit routes along the Durand Line and restoration of centuries-old cross-border movement and commerce.
He also called for the unification of Pashtun-majority regions into a single autonomous administrative unit, saying Pashtuns should be granted ownership and authority over the resources of their homeland. He stressed that equality between Pashtun and Baloch communities in Balochistan must be ensured in all spheres of life.
Criticising raids by customs and excise authorities on Pashtun business centres and markets in different cities, he said traders were suffering heavy financial losses.
The meetings were also addressed by several party leaders, including associates of Mahmood Khan Achakzai and provincial office-bearers, who urged workers to mobilise support for the upcoming public meeting in Chaman.
