The Balochistan government is extending full support and facilities to the business community involved in legal trade, import, and export; however, illegal trade and smuggling continue to pose major challenges to promoting lawful business in the province, said Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan.
He made these remarks while addressing a meeting with business leaders and office-bearers of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.
Iran Border to Shift to Passport-Based System
Mr Shafqaat disclosed that the provincial government is actively working to promote formal trade with Iran, adding that within the next one to two months, the Iran border will operate strictly on a passport-based system.
He said that entry into neighbouring Iran would no longer be allowed under the existing Rahdari System, and individuals holding only a DC permit would not be permitted to cross the border. Travel without a valid passport will become impossible.
Crackdown on Smuggling and Illegal Border Trade
The additional chief secretary said smuggling of goods in short supply within the province or the country would not be tolerated. He specifically mentioned that the government would closely monitor the trade of Pakistani sugar in Balochistan.
He further stated that the province’s instability is not caused by unemployment, but rather by organised criminal and militant networks.
Terror Financing and Security Operations
Referring to recent terrorist attacks in Quetta and other areas, Mr Shafqaat revealed that during the January 31 attacks, nearly 400 individuals were involved. Of these, 221 were killed while around 100 were arrested.
He added that attackers in Noshki reportedly received financial assistance through illegal poppy cultivation, warning that no individual would be allowed to engage in illegal border trade or smuggling in the future.
Relief Measures for Workers and Youth
Mr Shafqaat announced that children of individuals registered with the Workers Welfare Board would receive free education at top institutions across Pakistan. Additionally, those seeking overseas employment would be offered government support of up to Rs7 million.
He also urged the Chamber of Commerce to constitute a committee to directly engage with the government on business-related issues and challenges.
Business Community’s Demands
Representatives of the QCII emphasised that Balochistan is the economic gateway of the region, but persistent issues such as unfair tax valuation, delays in import and export processes, and operational bottlenecks continue to hamper legal trade.
They demanded:
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A six-month extension in the Export Import Facilitation (EIF) period
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Permission to mutate up to 10 per cent reliable scrap
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Extended operating hours at the Taftan border
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Unrestricted movement of goods at the Bazarcheh Business Terminal
Government Assures Action
The additional chief secretary assured the business community that the provincial government would seriously consider all proposals, including extending border operating hours, and relevant departments would be engaged for implementation.
He further announced that the provincial government would soon provide free passports to residents of border districts and extend financial assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
