Call for work permits comes amid concerns over labor shortages in key sectors like mining and agriculture
QUETTA, Pakistan – The Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on the Pakistani federal government to grant work permits to skilled Afghan refugees, particularly those working in mining and agriculture, as labor shortages in the region intensify.
Haji Akhtar Kakar, the Vice President of the chamber, voiced concerns about the worsening shortage of skilled labor, particularly in Balochistan, which he said could have severe economic consequences if not addressed.
“The lack of skilled labor is a serious issue. If this is not addressed quickly, it will worsen the situation further,” Akhtar stated, as reported by Dawn News.
His appeal comes amidst Pakistan’s ongoing campaign to expel large numbers of Afghan refugees, with hundreds of thousands of individuals at risk of being forced to leave the country.
Despite the expulsion plans, Akhtar emphasized that Balochistan’s deteriorating security situation has made it difficult for Pakistani workers from other provinces to move to the region. This has forced many mine owners, farmers, and industrialists to rely on Afghan refugees to fill skilled labor gaps.
“Due to the unstable situation, workers from other provinces are reluctant to come here. Afghan refugees have been essential in keeping our key sectors running,” Akhtar added.
According to him, Afghan workers have been vital to the agriculture, mining, and industrial sectors in Balochistan. The expulsion of these refugees is already having a severe impact on these industries, as a large portion of the workforce has traditionally come from Afghanistan.
