Trade activities across Balochistan have been severely disrupted due to the closure of key highways, raising concerns about shortages of essential items, including medicines and food.
Amid growing uncertainty, the business community in the province has offered to mediate between the government and protesters to help resolve the crisis.
In a joint press conference held with officials from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Saad Bin Asad highlighted the economic impact of ongoing protests.
President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Ayub stated that the blockade of national highways has created serious challenges for traders and businesses, deterring potential investors from entering the region.
He noted that vehicles carrying fertilizer were set on fire in Panjgur while continuous road closures are contributing to rising inflation and the looming risk of medicine shortages.
Deputy Commissioner Saad Bin Asad stressed that public welfare must take precedence over personal interests. He condemned the damage caused to public infrastructure during the protests, including surveillance cameras of the Balochistan University and the Safe City Project.
He added that the sit-in protest at Lakpass has severely hampered economic activity in the region, with daily business losses estimated in the millions of rupees.
In response to the crisis, the provincial business community has stepped forward, expressing a willingness to serve as neutral mediators between the government and demonstrators. They urged both parties to engage in dialogue to avoid further economic and humanitarian consequences.
Nawabzada Gharam Bugti taken into custody before scheduled long March
