Chaman (also spelt Chamman) (Pashto/Urdu: چمن ) is located in Qilla Abdullah District, Balochistan, Pakistan. Chaman is situated on the border with Afghanistan. Across the border in Afghanistan is the town of Spin Boldak in the province of Kandahar.

Overview

Chaman is home to a significant population of refugees which has helped Chaman grow considerably over the years. The Afghan Refugees originally fled the civil war and the Soviet Union's invasion in 1979.

Transport

Chamman has a major railway station which accommodates passengers coming from Kandahar in Afghanistan. A slow passenger train runs between Quetta and Chaman on some days of the week. In 2008, it was proposed to extend this railway northwards through Afghanistan to central Asia.

Trade

The city is a famous trade point in Balochistan. Traders from Afghanistan and Iran come to import and export goods in the bazaars of Chamman. Famous ghazal king Mehdi Hassan sang a ghazal about the town. The lyrics are chalte ho to chamamn ko chaliyeh kehta hai ka baharan hai. which means " If you want to travel lets visit Chamman its spring time there."

Sport

The town is also home to a football (soccer) club - Afghan FC, which plays in the Pakistan Premier League. Two players from this team are playing for the Pakistan national football team, including the captain, Muhammad Essa.

External links

• FallingRain Map - elevation = 1722m (Red dots are railways)