Closure of Borders with Iran and Afghanistan Causes Severe Economic Hardship in Chagai District

Chagai:The closure of border points with Iran and Afghanistan has led to severe economic difficulties for the residents of Chagai district, a region that heavily relies on cross-border trade for its livelihood. The local population, dependent on trade at the Pak-Iran and Pak-Afghan borders, is facing a crisis after the closure of the Pak-Iran border point for the past month.

Chagai, a border district, shares its northern border with Afghanistan and its western border with Iran. For decades, the residents’ main source of income has been linked to business activities at these borders. However, the closure of the Rajay point at the Pak-Iran border by Iranian authorities over the last 45 days has devastated the livelihoods of thousands of local families.

According to reports, the border crossing between Pakistan and Iran, typically a hub for cross-border trade, has been a vital route for the transportation of Iranian fuel, including petrol and diesel, which people bring into Pakistan and sell in local markets. This business, which involves vehicles and drivers receiving tokens from the district administration, has allowed many in Chagai and nearby districts to make a living by reselling fuel at a profit. However, the recent closure of this border point by Iranian authorities has left many without any means of income.

The Pak-Afghan border, particularly in areas like Barabcha, Norwahab, and Charbahon Gate, has also been closed for a long period. Local residents who rely on small-scale trade at these crossings are similarly facing hardship, as their businesses have come to a halt.

In response to these difficulties, residents of Chagai have met with the Chief Minister of Balochistan to raise awareness about their economic struggles, but as of now, no significant progress has been made. While the federal government has reopened border points in other parts of Balochistan, Chagai remains the only district where these key borders remain shut.

The local business community has called on both the federal and provincial governments to engage with Iranian authorities and take steps to reopen the border points in Chagai. They argue that, despite the presence of major projects like the Saindak and Reko Diq mining projects in the district, the youth of Chagai are facing severe unemployment due to the lack of cross-border trade opportunities.

The prolonged economic hardship could push the youth of the region into frustration, and if the situation persists, it may lead to an increase in social unrest and dissatisfaction. The people of Chagai have urged the authorities to act quickly and reopen the border crossings to alleviate the severe economic challenges they are currently facing.