Government Policies Force 2,000 Baloch Traders to Move to Afghanistan, Rs. 250 Billion Withdrawn from Banks

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat):** Political and religious leaders in Balochistan have warned that the current government’s restrictive policies are severely affecting local businesses and livelihoods. They stated that the region’s economy heavily depends on agriculture, livestock, and non-custom trade vehicles, which provide daily income for thousands of families.

The leaders, including Maulana Abdul Wasi (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Balochistan), Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch (Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan), Dawood Shah Kakr (PTI Provincial President), and Qahar Wadan (Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party), criticized the government for tightening restrictions on cross-border trade, raiding businesses, and seizing traders’ funds under customs rules. They described these measures as illegal, unconstitutional, and detrimental to the public.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, around 2,000 traders have relocated their businesses to Afghanistan and other countries, withdrawing approximately Rs. 250 billion from local banks. This has negatively impacted banks and commercial activity, leading to layoffs of nearly 1,000 bank employees.

The leaders warned that such policies are causing public frustration and resentment, which could threaten law and order in the province. They demanded that the government reverse these measures, reopen borders, and provide employment opportunities to support hundreds of thousands of unemployed families in Balochistan.