QUETTA: Pakistan has announced that the decades-old border corridor system with Iran will be fully abolished within one to two months. After this, cross border travel will require a passport and visa ending the special rahadari permits that allowed residents of border districts to move without documentation.

Officials from the Balochistan Home Department say the change will help formalize travel curb illegal movement and reduce terrorism and smuggling in Balochistan. The new One Document Regime (ODR) will follow a similar system implemented along the Afghan border in 2023.

However border residents and traders fear serious economic and social consequences. Communities in districts such as Chagai Washuk Panjgur Kech and Gwadar have historically relied on the corridor for family visits and trade. Many warn that the closure will increase costs and limit cross border interaction.

The corridor system under the 1960 Pak Iran Border Agreement, allowed limited twice yearly travel into Iran for about 15 days. Security concerns, including militant activity and smuggling, led to the decision to phase out the system.

Authorities have promised simplified passport issuance and extended border hours to ease the transition but local residents remain apprehensive about the impact on livelihoods and social ties.