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Quetta – 24 April 2025: The Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the federal government to issue work permits for Afghan refugees to address the region’s growing labor crisis. The request came from Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar during a media briefing in Quetta.
Kakar explained that sectors like mining, agriculture, and industry are heavily dependent on Afghan labor due to a lack of local skilled workers. He stressed that without work permits for Afghan refugees, the economic situation in Balochistan could deteriorate further.
He added that workers from other provinces often refuse to move to Balochistan because of its unstable security conditions. This has forced business owners to rely on Afghan nationals, many of whom have years of hands-on experience.
Kakar also highlighted that the recent repatriation drive targeting Afghan refugees had caused serious disruptions. Farm outputs have declined, and mining operations are running below capacity due to workforce shortages.
He urged the federal authorities to formalize the employment of skilled Afghan workers by issuing legal documentation. This move, he argued, would protect both businesses and workers while also contributing to the local economy.
Employers in the province have echoed similar concerns in recent weeks. They warned that the sudden withdrawal of experienced Afghan labor is causing long-term damage to productivity.
Experts also believe that legalizing Afghan workers through work permits would provide economic benefits and improve monitoring mechanisms. It would also reduce exploitation in informal labor arrangements.
The federal government has not yet issued an official response. However, the demand from Balochistan’s business community continues to grow stronger as operational challenges mount.
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