Balochistan: Trade activities affected due to road blockades, fear of essential goods shortage

Trade has been severely affected due to the closure of various highways in Balochistan, raising concerns over a potential shortage of medicines and food items in the province. In light of the current situation, the business community has offered to act as a mediator between the government and the protesters.

A press conference was held by Deputy Commissioner Quetta Saad bin Asad along with officials from the Chamber of Commerce. President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Muhammad Ayub, stated that the road closures in Balochistan are causing difficulties for businesspeople.

He said that due to the uncertainty, investors are hesitant to come to Balochistan. Fertilizer trucks were set on fire in Panjgur, and the closure of national highways is contributing to rising inflation. There are fears of a shortage of medicines.

Deputy Commissioner Quetta, Saad bin Asad, emphasized that public issues are more important than personal interests. He noted that under the guise of protests, damage has been caused to the University of Balochistan and Safe City Project cameras. Sit-ins at locations like Lakpass are negatively impacting economic activities.

He added that those involved in daily business are facing losses of millions of rupees. The business community has offered the government their services as mediators to help resolve the issues between the protesters and the government.