BYC denounces the Abdoi border Closure as ‘economic exploitation’ in Balochistan

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has expressed strong condemnation over the ongoing closure of the Abdoi border crossing in Kech district, describing it as a form of “economic exploitation” that is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Balochistan. The organization highlighted that the closure has had severe impacts on local communities, deepening their economic hardships and social instability.

According to a statement released on Friday, the border has remained shut since March 19, 2025, cutting off a vital economic link for hundreds of families in the region. The closure has effectively severed a primary source of income for many residents who depend on cross-border trade and movement for their livelihoods. The BYC emphasized that this prolonged closure is unjust and detrimental to the wellbeing of the local population.

The statement underscored that the lack of alternative livelihoods has left many families in a state of despair, struggling to meet their basic needs. With declining economic opportunities, residents face rising hunger, unemployment, and uncertainty about their future. The situation has created a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention and intervention.

The BYC pointed out that traders, laborers, and other local residents who rely heavily on cross-border trade are now experiencing extreme poverty. Many are unable to afford essential goods and services, which has further compromised their health and well-being. The organization condemned the border closure as a deliberate act that worsens the already fragile economic conditions in Balochistan.

Protests have erupted in Zamuran, where residents have staged a sit-in demanding the immediate reopening of the border crossing. The protests have entered their second day, with demonstrators asserting that reopening the border is crucial for their survival. They argue that economic activity in the region depends heavily on the border’s operation and can’t be sustained otherwise.

Rather than addressing these grievances, the BYC alleged that Pakistani security forces attempted to suppress the protests through force. The group reported that security personnel used baton charges and other means of intimidation to disperse the demonstrators, instead of engaging in dialogue or considering their demands. This response has further inflamed tensions in the region.

Despite the use of force, the protesters have remained steadfast, holding their ground and reaffirming their commitment to resist what they describe as “deliberate marginalization” by authorities. The BYC condemned the crackdown, calling it a violation of their right to peaceful assembly and a reflection of the broader suppression faced by Baloch communities.

The group further claimed that the border closure is not an isolated incident but part of a wider pattern of economic and political control aimed at subjugating Balochistan’s people. They argued that such measures are used to exert power over the region’s resources and population, deepening a cycle of marginalization and underdevelopment.

Balochistan, already plagued by chronic underdevelopment, unemployment, and corruption, has seen its hardships intensified by the border closure. The ongoing restrictions have further isolated the region, limiting access to essential goods, services, and economic opportunities. The situation has pushed ordinary citizens to the brink, with their livelihoods increasingly threatened.

In conclusion, the BYC urged the Pakistani government to immediately reopen the Abdoi border crossing and cease the use of force against peaceful protesters. They warned that ignoring these demands could lead to heightened resentment and resistance among a population that feels increasingly marginalized and neglected. The committee called for urgent action to address the humanitarian and economic crises in Balochistan.