Pak-Iran Land Trade Routes: Makran Division, Balochistan

Abstract

This paper attempts to chart and highlight impact of notifying [un]declared Pak-Iran land trade routes (crossing points) in the light of ‘Rights of people residing border areas under International law’. Pak-Iran border stretches 902 Kilometers via Balochistan Province of Pakistan. Not only 2/3 of this border touches five districts of Makran Division, namely: Gawadar, Kech, Panjgur, Washuk and Chaghi, rather population of these districts heavily depend upon Iran in terms of trade, energy, consumable commodities and employment. Iranian edibles and other commodities have been smoothly flowing into Makran division via [un] declared border crossing points since times immemorial. There exist dozens of crossing points including nine notified land trade routes (crossing points) between Makran Division and Iran, and a declared sea route. To evaluate impact upon livelihood of local people notification of Rimdan-Gabd land trade route connecting Gawadar District of Makran Division and the Pishin-Mand land trade route are focused in particular. A major crossing point, called Chedgi, located near the Mashkel River in Panjgur District of Makran Division, though irregular, serves as  conduit to major Iranian imports, including, edibles. Chedgi generates handsome amount annually both for National exchequer, State Law enforcers, besides providing livelihood to the local residents. On December 19, 2020, Pakistan and Iran notified the Rimdan-Gabd land trade route, with Iran’s Southeastern Sistan-Balochistan Province, just 130 km away from the strategic Chahbahar Port of Iran. Subsequently on April 22, 2021, in bordering Kech District of Makran Division the Pishin-Mand land trade route was notified.