Why Pakistan Can't Afford To Lose Balochistan? Punjab Business Leaders Reveal The Economic Reality | Video
Last Updated:July 15, 2026, 20:54 ISTPakistan would face severe economic challenges if Balochistan were to separate and reclaim its natural resources. A member of the levies tribal force (L) and census. . .
Last Updated:July 15, 2026, 20:54 ISTPakistan would face severe economic challenges if Balochistan were to separate and reclaim its natural resources. A member of the levies tribal force (L) and census officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (R) ride camels to collect information from Marri tribespeople living in the remote mountainous area of Mawand as part of a national census in southwest Pakistan’s Kohlu district, Balochistan province. (Photo: AFP)As Balochistan declared independence from Pakistan on Tuesday, concerns are growing over the economic impact of the ongoing shutdown in the region. According to statements made by business leaders in Pakistan’s Punjab province, the disruption could have consequences that extend far beyond the conflict itself. A recent press conference organised by Punjab’s business community highlighted the dependence of the country’s industries on supplies moving through Balochistan. Speakers at the event said that if the shutdown continues, it could damage Pakistan’s economy more than an active war. Recommended Stories'We Control Our Land': Has Balochistan Declared Independence From Pakistan? Viral Letter SurfacesBalochistan 'Declares Independence' From Pakistan: What It Means And Why China Is Watching CloselyBalochistan Independence Calls, PoK Protests: Is Asim Munir's Grip Loosening?Asim Munir's Troubles Mount As Opposition Announces Mass Protests, Demands Ouster Of Balochistan GovtPak industry raises alarmAccording to a video shared by Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch, business representatives from Punjab acknowledged that energy supplies to industries pass through Balochistan. They warned the Shehbaz Sharif-government that prolonged disruption would severely affect industrial production across Punjab. The business community also pointed to growing difficulties faced by manufacturers as raw materials remain stranded and supply chains continue to face disruption. According to the claims made during the press conference, production lines have started slowing down as essential industrial inputs fail to reach factories. LNG and coal supplies affectedThe industry leader in the viral video can be heard that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal are normally transported from Balochistan to Punjab. This supply has now been completely suspended following the halt in exports and trade between the two regions. The disruption has reportedly resulted in factories in Punjab beginning to shut down as industries struggle to secure fuel and raw materials required for production. Listen closely to the desperation of Punjabi business owners right now. Their raw materials are stranded, mine supplies from places like Duki are frozen, & production lines are halting. The Baloch rebels have finally breached gates of Punjab’s corporate boardrooms. 1/3@Sarawaan1pic. twitter. com/NJNMxbaiZI— Sohrab Abbas (@abbas_sohrab)July 13, 2026Economic impactThe business representatives also claimed that mine supplies from areas such as Duki had been frozen, adding further pressure on industries. According to the statements shared, transporters are also on strike because the state has been unable to guarantee their safety on highways. The remarks suggested that while the conflict in Balochistan had long carried a human cost, it had now evolved into a logistical blockade affecting Pakistan’s economy. The business leaders argued that the country’s economic engine was beginning to come under strain as industrial activity slowed. Moreover, Balochistan is a major source of rare earth minerals, which Asim Munir reportedly wants to offer to the US for investment and development. Baloch leader weigh inAccording to Baloch leaders, Pakistan would face severe economic challenges if Balochistan were to separate and reclaim its natural resources. One expert claimed that without Balochistan’s gold, gas and mineral resources, “the Pakistani state will stand bankrupt and broken. "Meanwhile, Mir Yar Baloch told News18 that the situation in what he referred to as the “Republic of Balochistan" was gradually coming under the control of Baloch forces. “The Pakistan army is losing ground and is now merely relying on its air forces. The people of the republic of Balochistan are resisting everywhere. Before it was armed Balochistan people now the civilian population is also coming to resist and asking Pakistan Army to vacate Balochistan soon," he said. The developments come amid claims of continuing disruption to trade and transport routes linking Balochistan with Punjab, with business leaders warning that a prolonged shutdown could have significant consequences for Pakistan’s industrial sector. News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismKey Questions AnsweredIf Balochistan separates from Pakistan, the country would face severe economic challenges. Punjab business leaders have warned that prolonged disruption to supplies moving through Balochistan could severely affect industrial production. About the AuthorShuddhanta PatraShuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen. . . Read MoreLocation :PakistanFirst Published:July 15, 2026, 20:54 ISTNewsworldWhy Pakistan Can't Afford To Lose Balochistan? Punjab Business Leaders Reveal The Economic Reality | VideoDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More