Border Trade Is the Backbone of Balochistan’s Economy, Trade Routes Must Be Restored Immediately: Senator Maulana Abdul Wasay

Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta): Provincial Ameer of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Balochistan Senator Maulana Abdul Wasay, while speaking to a delegation of members after the central Shura meeting in Islamabad, strongly condemned the closure of the Iran border, the already-closed border routes with Afghanistan, the proliferation of unnecessary check posts, and the harassment and humiliation of traders and passengers in the name of checking on national highways. He said that Balochistan is already suffering from instability, unemployment, inflation and economic decline, and in such circumstances, closing the Iran border and creating hurdles in trade activities is a blow to the employment of millions and an economic killing of the people. He said that after the closure of border routes with Afghanistan, restricting trade with Iran will paralyze Balochistan’s economy and close further doors of employment for the people living in border areas.

Agha Mahmood Shah, Provincial Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Balochistan, said that pushing the people of border areas, traders, laborers and transporters into economic difficulties is by no means a wise policy, while in the name of checking on national highways, citizens and traders have to face hours of waiting, unnecessary trouble and humiliating attitudes. He said that claims of development and prosperity while besieging Balochistan are meaningless, because border trade is the backbone of the province’s economy and provides livelihood to thousands of families. He said that instead of providing relief to the people, the government is increasing deprivation by restricting their economic sources. He demanded that the decision to close the Iran border be reviewed immediately, effective steps be taken to open the closed trade routes with Afghanistan, and the practice of harassing and humiliating traders and passengers in the name of unnecessary check posts and checking on national highways be stopped. He warned that the policy of continuously restricting the economic rights, employment and free trade activities of the people of Balochistan is not acceptable under any circumstances; the government should immediately address public difficulties and ensure the restoration of border trade.