Muhammad Essa in action for Pakistan
Goal.com looks at the Pakistani border town of Chaman which, in a troubled region, has found solace in football.
The Durand Line, drawn in 1893, serves as a buffer zone between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
These days it is a flashpoint and recently dubbed as one of the most dangerous regions of the world, where terrorism and militancy in the name of 'Talibanisation' are bred, nurtured and spread.
The two countries are fighting against it in their own ways and at the same time also blaming each other for infiltration and intrusion from the other side.
Just across the Durand Line in Pakistan however, there is a small city named Chaman where football plays a major role in keeping the inhabitants away from warfare and helps to maintain a decent level of peace in the town.
Dedication
The city, more importantly, is a blend of Pakistani natives and Afghan immigrants, who arrived during the 1979 Afghan War and are now permanently settled there.
Despite their tribal society, religious mindset and orthodox lifestyle – very similar to the Talibans - the inhabitants are famed for their love of, and dedication to, football.
The sport is not only a great passion for them but is also a source of harmony between the two nationalities, at a time when relations between the two countries are poor to say the least.
As a border-town in Baluchistan, Chaman connects Pakistan to the Afghanistani province of Qandahar and is the main gate of trade between the Pakistan and Afghanistan borders.
Since 9/11 the two countries have been plagued with serious security crises and the areas adjacent to their borders have been heavily infiltrated by intruders, militants and terrorists.
Passion
Football has always been a major sport in Afghanistan and when Afghan refugees started to arrive in Chaman from 1979, the beautiful game quickly became the only pastime among children in the refugee camps.
The local Pushtuns also shared the same passion and football was responsible for the quick forging of unity between the two communities.
The game progressed rapidly in the region and the Pakistan’ most famous football club Afghan FC was formed in 1984.
Even in the past, regular matches between the teams of Qandahar and Baluchistan used to be held in Chaman, and football spectators from Afghanistan often crossed the border illegally just only to watch these matches.
Unlike other barren stadia in the country, the Chaman High School Stadium, Afghan FC's home, welcomes a sizable number of fans for every match.
Sincerity
The venue may come under the jurisdiction of the Chaman’ District Government but football lovers of the city run and maintain it by themselves.
This small town, home to only 20,000 of Pakistan’s 160 million population, has more than two hundred registered clubs - including Afghan FC.
Local fans, traders, workers and even the religious leaders support the club both socially and financially. Their sincerity towards football is second to none, which is a binding force between the two different nationalities.
Football in Chaman is not as old as in other regions but in a short span of time, the city has given top footballers to the Pakistan national football team.
One of them is no less a name than Muhammad Essa - the current captain of Pakistan team. Others include stars such as Haroon Yousuf and Jadeed Khan.
Energy
Living at a higher altitude makes these footballers strong and injects them with an incredible amount of stamina and energy.
Today, the war against terrorism, which is seriously affecting the daily life in Chaman, has a number of consequences but it can’t keep the local people from their football.
Poor living conditions, a lack of basic needs and simple economic survival are still their priorities but football is everywhere.
On the pitch is where they release their tensions, problems and most importantly gather together and build a social feeling. That’s why the game took little time transforming from a leisure activity into a cultural passion.
Football has helped the people of Chaman to release stress and vent their anger.
Controversy
In 2000, when players of a football team from Chaman were arrested and had their heads shaved by Talibans in Afghanistan as a punishment for playing in an “irreligious dress code”, the authorities in Chaman handled it sensibly and sorted out the issue without any bloodshed, an unusual act considering the tribal nature of their society.
The controversy was disappointing and frightening but in the end football triumphed. It may also help these Afghans to forget and forgive.
Football reconciled both natives and immigrants of the border-town and Afghan FC represents the unity and serenity of Chaman in Pakistan.
For the people of the city and the region, football is more than sport, it’s their identity, pride and even their hope.
From Goal.com
