Ahmadzai tribe demand end passport and visa requirements for Afghanistan travel

Protesters say it's unfortunate human values are ignored where people live along the border of two nations

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ANGOOR ADDA:

The four major clans of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe—Tojye Khel, Gangi Khel, Zali Khel, and Khojel Khel—residing on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Angoor Adda, have called upon the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease cross-border movement and exempt them from passport and visa requirements.

According to the protestors, these tribes have been living on their ancestral lands for centuries and share deep-rooted cultural and familial ties that span the border. They argue that bureaucratic restrictions are now threatening these historical connections.

Participants of the sit-in questioned why, after decades of unrestricted movement with only a national identity card, such stringent conditions are now being imposed. “Has living in this region for centuries suddenly become a crime?” they asked.

They added that this sit-in, continuing for the past 20 months, is not the result of stubbornness or momentary emotions, but a desperate response to severe violations of human rights. It is unfortunate, they said, that they reside on the border of two nations where human values are routinely overlooked.

“We live in an area where both states claim to uphold human rights, cultural traditions, and heritage. Yet in practice, the reality is quite different,” they said.

The protest organizers have demanded the implementation of a 'One Document Regime' for the Ahmadzai tribes, allowing daily cross-border movement through national identity cards, e-passes, or RFID cards. They also called for the establishment of separate counters at the border for local residents and the removal of passport and visa requirements to preserve cultural and familial ties.

They warned that if their voices remain unheard after 20 months of peaceful protest, serious questions will arise: “What exactly is our fault?” they asked. “We are law-abiding and peaceful citizens. We only ask for justice, fraternity, and basic human compassion.”

The organizers remain hopeful that the authorities of both countries will make decisions based on wisdom, law, and humanity, and restore peace, prosperity, and goodwill in the region.