Pakistan Business Forum concerned over business environment in Balochistan

KARACHI: Expressing deep concern over the current business environment in Balochistan, the President of the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman, Chief Organiser Ahmed Jawad, and Chairman Balochistan, Daroo Khan Achakzai highlighted the severe financial difficulties faced by the province’s traders and business community, which have significantly disrupted commercial activities.

Daroo Khan Achakzai stated that Balochistan’s overall business climate is under continuous pressure, leaving thousands of individuals engaged in trade grappling with economic instability. The closure of the Afghan border has critically impacted the province’s economic lifeline, resulting in widespread unemployment among traders and bringing commercial operations nearly to a standstill.

They emphasised that border trade is crucial not only for Balochistan but also for the economy of other regions of the country. The border closure has had profound consequences for the province’s business sector.

They urged the government to take immediate measures to reopen the border and implement a comprehensive strategy to revitalize trade activities. They stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive economic relief package specifically for Balochistan to support traders and businesspeople, enabling them to sustain their operations. They warned that governmental neglect under the current circumstances poses a serious threat to maintaining a business-friendly environment in the province.

The Forum’s leaders also called for directives to commercial banks to facilitate loan repayments, rescheduling, reduction in mark-up, and provision of new credit under special incentives to keep businesses operational. Easing banking services for traders was described as essential to sustaining commercial activity.

Additionally, they highlighted challenges such as unexpected internet outages and restrictions on transporters’ travel during specific hours, which are affecting the livelihoods of thousands and causing daily financial losses amounting to millions of rupees for passengers and transporters alike. Strikes and disruptions are also causing severe damage to traders’ businesses.

PBF urging the government to address these issues urgently, noting that the border serves as a fundamental source of income for the local population.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025