The government’s provision of free passports for Chaman’s traders and youth will create new employment opportunities: Deputy Commissioner Chaman Habib Bangulzai
Quetta Web Reporter:
Chaman Deputy Commissioner Habib Ahmed Bangulzai has said that the successful implementation of the “One Document Regime” at the Chaman border and the provision of free passports to small traders are important steps taken by the governments of Pakistan and Balochistan.
Talking to journalists in Chaman, he said that the aim of these efforts of the government is to facilitate cross-border trade and provide better employment opportunities to the people of Chaman.
Government’s decision on “One Document Regime”
Habib Ahmed Bangulzai said that “In September 2023 last year, the government of Pakistan had announced the One Document Regime, which aimed to improve the security situation in border matters between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
” He added that after the implementation of this regime, it was decided to provide free passports to small traders with the joint cooperation of the government of Pakistan and the government of Balochistan.
Free passports for Chaman traders
The Chaman Deputy Commissioner said, “We have set a target of issuing more than five thousand free passports, and so far 2500 free e-passports have been issued.
” He said that these passports are being provided exclusively to small traders of Chaman, especially those who trade across the border.
He added that “passports have also been provided to about 1800 traders, who are called ‘laghdi’ here.”
Free passports and visa facilities for the poor
Habib Ahmed Bangalzai explained that “We realize that the poor who cannot afford passports are the ones who are providing free passports.
Especially those who are connected to the Chaman border and do business.
” He said that “along with free e-passports, we are trying to provide multiple-entry visas for one year so that it can be more convenient for the traders.”
Improved security and border movement
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that “the security situation at the Chaman border has improved significantly. Before the implementation of the One Document Regime, people used to cross the border on ID cards or Tazkira, which created difficulties in security checking.
” He said that “now due to the need for passports, border movement is being controlled better, and this has improved the security situation.”
Chaman Master Plan and Employment Opportunities
Habib Ahmed Bangulzai mentioned the efforts of the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Balochistan to create employment opportunities for unemployed youth under the Chaman Master Plan.
He said, “In the coming few months, hundreds of Chaman youth will get employment opportunities, God willing.”
He said that “new projects are being launched under ITTMS (Information Technology Trade Management System), and the process of establishing an export processing zone is also being completed.”
Measures for Chaman’s economic development
The Deputy Commissioner Chaman added that “the government has taken several steps to activate the Chaman Master Plan, including the establishment of an export processing zone and the launch of other development projects.”
He said that “these projects will make Chaman a modern commercial center where legal trade will be promoted.” He said that “a new business environment will be created in Chaman, which will improve the economic situation of the area.”
Increased health facilities in Chaman
Regarding the increase in health facilities in Chaman, Habib Ahmed Bangulzai said, “We have deployed more than 40 doctors in Chaman so that better health facilities can be provided to the people of the area.
” He said, “In addition, the government has also taken steps to improve other important health sectors.”
Sports activities for the youth of Chaman
Sports activities are also underway for the youth in Chaman. Habib Ahmed Bangulzai said, “We had organized an educational festival program in Chaman in which students from schools and colleges across Balochistan participated.
In addition, we have also organized various football and cricket tournaments so that the energy of the youth can be used in a positive direction.”
Development of Chaman and Government Sector Initiatives
Speaking on the government’s initiatives for the development of Chaman, Habib Ahmed Bangulzai said, “The government has launched various development projects in Chaman, including contractual appointments in government sectors and establishment of export processing zones in the private sector.
” He added, “Along with activating the Chaman Master Plan, the government is also establishing new industrial areas, which will further improve the local economy.”
Role of ITTMS in the development of Chaman
Habib Ahmed Bangulzai also highlighted the importance of ITTMS (Information Technology Trade Management System) in Chaman and said, “This system will digitalize all stages of trade in Chaman, which will bring transparency in business and facilitate traders.
” He said, “This system will become fully functional in the next two months, which will start a new era for the traders and businessmen of Chaman.”
Good news for the people of Chaman
Habib Ahmed Bangalzai also mentioned that “the launch of various development projects in Chaman and the facilities provided by the government are very good news for the people of Chaman.”
He said that “new avenues of business will open in Chaman and “The people here will benefit from new development opportunities.”
