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Islamabad. Pakistan’s economy, which is dependent on natural gas, coal, minerals and rare earths of Balochistan, is currently facing an existential crisis. Baluchistan, the region which Pakistan considered as its economic engine for a long time, has now not only declared independence but has also completely stopped the supply of its resources. In fact, with the declaration of independence in Balochistan province on Tuesday, the lifeline of Pakistan’s economy has been cut. The complete shutdown and transport blockade in the region has brought the industrial units of Punjab to their knees. If the situation continues like this then it is possible that Pakistan will not even be able to roam around with the bowl.

Prominent business leaders of Punjab have warned that if this crisis prolongs, its impact could prove to be more devastating than any active war. Representatives of Punjab Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other major business organizations held a press conference in Lahore. In this he expressed serious concern about the dependence on Balochistan. According to business leaders, most of Pakistan’s heavy industries’ energy supplies, raw materials and minerals come via Balochistan. This entire supply chain has come to a halt due to the shutdown.

LNG and coal supply completely stopped

In the press conference, industrialists explained in detail that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal are mainly sent to Punjab from the ports and mines of Balochistan. Now all types of exports and transport between the two regions have stopped. A prominent industry leader said that our factories can no longer run without fuel. Many plants have already been closed or production has been halved. If this situation continues for 10-15 more days, large scale layoffs will start across Punjab. He gave a strict warning to the Shehbaz Sharif government, saying that if the blockage continues for a long time, not only will industrial production come to a halt, but it can also lead to social instability due to increase in unemployment.

shortage of minerals and raw materials

Business representatives said that the supply of coal, chromite, copper and other essential industrial inputs from Duki, Chagai and other mineral fields has been stopped. Transporters are on strike as no guarantee of their safety is being given on state highways. As a result, raw materials are not reaching the factories. Textile, cement, fertilizer, steel and power sectors are being affected the most. It was claimed in the press conference that production in many units has reduced by 40-60 percent.

Balochistan is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

The video and statements shared by Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch said that Balochistan has huge reserves of gold, natural gas, copper, chromite and rare earths. If Balochistan takes back its full control over these resources, Pakistan’s economy will suffer a huge blow. Mir Yar Baloch said that the situation in what we are calling ‘Republic of Balochistan’ is gradually coming under the control of Baloch Liberation Forces. We want to give the benefits of our natural resources to our people, not to the central government of Pakistan.

On the other hand, an economic expert said that Balochistan does not appear to contribute directly to Pakistan’s GDP, but its supply chain is the backbone of the entire country. Without these resources the Pakistani government will go bankrupt and collapse. This is why the businessmen of Punjab have demanded the government to immediately start talks and restore peace in Balochistan. He has said that this is no longer just a security issue but has become a crisis of the national economy.