Syed Ali Shah:
Quetta – Residents from Balochistan’s border districts held a major protest outside the Balochistan Assembly on Monday, urging the government to allow unrestricted trade with neighboring Iran and Afghanistan. Demonstrators highlighted the economic hardships caused by trade restrictions, chanting slogans in support of open border commerce.
Political leaders, including Balochistan National Party (BNP) Awami Chief Asad Baloch, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s (JUI) Zabit Reki, and Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, joined the protest, expressing their support. Asad Baloch emphasized, “Free trade is crucial for the livelihoods of thousands in border regions, and we stand firmly with the people in this demand.”
JUI’s Zabit Reki added, “Border trade directly impacts families’ incomes, and we’ll continue backing the people’s call for accessible trade routes.”
Provincial ministers Mir Sadiq Umrani, Mir Zahoor Buledi, and Saleem Khan Khoso also joined the demonstration, offering assurances of support. Minister Umrani stated, “We will champion this issue within the government, ensuring trade rights for our people.” Buledi added, “We will make this a priority in upcoming sessions,” while Saleem Khan Khoso pledged, “We stand united with our people for their rightful demands.”
The protest underscored the urgency felt by border residents and leaders alike, calling for immediate government action to open trade routes with Iran and Afghanistan.
