Unraveling the Informal Economic Association: A Study of Baloch Population Staying in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Afghanistan’s Nimruz within the Context of Cross-Border Trade

Abstract

This research paper delves into the informal economic association between the Baloch population residing in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Afghanistan’s Nimruz province, focusing on their cross-border trade activities. The study aims to unravel the dynamics of this economic relationship, shedding light on the informal networks, trade routes, and economic interdependencies that have evolved over time. Through an analysis of historical, cultural, and geographical factors, the research explores how these factors have shaped and sustained the informal economic association between the Baloch communities on both sides of the border.

The data examined highlights the significance of cross-border trade for the livelihoods and economic survival of the Baloch population in both regions. It reveals the existence of intricate informal networks and trading routes that facilitate the exchange of goods, including livestock, agricultural products, and handicrafts. Moreover, the study investigates the role of informal financial systems, such as hawala, in facilitating trade transactions and overcoming formal barriers and regulations. Furthermore, the research investigates the social and cultural dimensions of this economic association, exploring how shared ethnic and cultural ties, as well as historical interactions, influence trade patterns and relationships between the Baloch communities. It also examines the challenges and opportunities faced by the Baloch population, including issues related to border security, political instability, and economic fluctuations.

By shedding light on the informal economic association between the Baloch communities in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Afghanistan’s Nimruz, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of cross-border trade in the region. It also highlights the potential for leveraging this informal economic association to foster economic development, regional integration, and peacebuilding efforts.