Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Public Relations Directorate of the Pakistani Army, has said that travelers at the Spin Boldak crossing must have passports and visas.

The Director General argued that travel between Afghanistan and its other neighbors is based on having passports and visas, and the same procedure should apply to Pakistan.

He claimed that narcotics and other illegal items are being transported from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

“Apart from Pakistan, they [Afghans] have visas and passports for traveling to other countries, so why is it not the same for coming to Pakistan? Why should they come here just by showing an ID card? Most narcotics and illegal goods come from Afghanistan,” said Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that the restrictions imposed by Pakistan have affected thousands of people in Chaman.

“But tribes complain that the restrictions have also decimated their livelihoods and, if they remain in place, will forever reshape the fabric of communities,” the report reads.

Some travelers at the Spin Boldak - Chaman crossing said that the route has been closed for the second consecutive day.

Hashim, one of the travelers, said: “The route is closed for those who have ID cards. Some people with national ID cards are allowed to pass, but those with Tazkiras are not allowed at all.”

Another traveler, Hezbullah, said: “They didn’t allow us because the route is closed.”

Ali Mohammad Haqmal, the Information Officer at the Spin Boldak crossing, also dismissed rumors about the movement at this crossing and has asked people not to travel there.

The Information Officer at the Spin Boldak crossing said: “We ask our fellow citizens not to trouble themselves; the route has not reopened.”

After ten months of protests by people in Chaman, Pakistan finally released the protest leaders from prison two days ago (Sunday) and lifted the restrictions at this crossing. However, the Spin Boldak - Chaman crossing was closed again yesterday (Monday) for unknown reasons.