The ongoing war between Iran and Israel is now beginning to visibly impact Balochistan.
The border areas of Balochistan adjacent to Iran have long been considered major hubs for Iranian petrol smuggling. However, due to the closure of Pakistan-Iran border crossing points amid the Iran-Israel conflict, this entire trade has come to a standstill.
Iranian petrol has become scarce throughout the province, to the extent that hundreds of mini petrol pumps operating in the streets and alleys of Quetta have shut down. As a result, rickshaw drivers and other transport owners have significantly increased fares.
On the other hand, there is also a looming threat of an LPG gas shortage, which is expected to lead to price hikes.
Due to a severe shortage of Iranian goods in Quetta’s markets, their prices have doubled. Prior to the Iran-Israel war, Iranian food products were widely available in Quetta.
Markets and shops in various parts of the city commonly stocked Iranian cooking oil, ghee, biscuits, dried fruits, blankets, yoghurt, buttermilk, and other items. However, the closure of the Pakistan-Iran border has not only led to shortages of these goods, but also a marked increase in their prices.
Citizens say that in order to ensure availability of goods and control inflation, immediate, effective, and comprehensive steps must be taken by both the federal and provincial governments.
Pakistan closed all its border crossings with neighbouring Iran for an indefinite period, provincial officials said on Monday, as Israel and Iran trade intense strikes and threaten further attacks.
“Border facilities in all five districts — Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar — have been suspended,” Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan, which borders Iran, told AFP.
Crossing into Iran “has been suspended until further notice”, said Atta ul Munim, an official at one of the crossings in Chaghi district. However, there was “no ban on trade” activities at the border and Pakistani nationals needing to return to their country from Iran can cross, he added. “We’re expecting around 200 Pakistani students coming today,” Atta said.
On Sunday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said 450 Pakistani pilgrims were evacuated from Iran, with more to follow, as well as from Iraq.
Media reports have said Pakistan may support Tehran if the conflict was to widen, but officials in Islamabad have reiterated that their country is only showing “moral and diplomatic solidarity”.
— With additional input from AFP.
