Balochistan – a smugglers’ paradise

There is a need to boost legal trade with neighbouring countries for which government needs to consult economists.

Once again, the problems of Balochistan continue to be shrouded by other stories that dominate the Pakistani media. The province covers almost half of the country in terms of land mass. It has untapped natural resources in profusion and is strategically very important owing to a shared border with two countries — Iran and Afghanistan. It has a huge coast, replete with minerals, and with immense trading potential.

Despite all this, there are no notable manufacturing or services industries in the province which can provide job opportunities to the educated youth. If unemployment is a problem in the rest of the country, it is three times as big a problem in Balochistan.

The province has never been given serious attention when it comes to investment and industrialisation. The government, incapable of increasing the tax net, has given free reign to smugglers in the province which is inflicting serious damage to the economy.

From cooking oil to soap, basic items of daily use are smuggled from all over the world in Balochistan. The shopkeepers do not have to pay taxes since the traders bribe security officials to transport goods from across the border. The situation is such that it is difficult to spot a duty paid vehicle on the roads of Quetta. Balochistan now has the title of having the largest markets for unpaid duty vehicles.

Mostly, these ‘non-customs paid’ vehicles are in the use of senior officials, elected politicians, tribal elders and their progeny. The recent unjust move by the federal government, when it legalised smuggled vehicles in the province, was an example of the centre’s utter apathy to the very basic issues of the province. The smuggling of cattle and other animals to Afghanistan and Iran also goes unnoticed.

These practices are inflicting serious damage to the weak economy of the province. Space is not opening up for industrialisation. The Baloch youth are unemployed. Economic hardships are making people angry and resentful.

There is a need to establish industries and boost the legal trade with neighbouring countries for which government needs to consult economists who really care about the people of Balochistan. People are not expecting a lot, but at least to overcome the basic issues which could improve the quality of life of the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2014.