Swat unrest gives rise to Balochistan marble export

By: Waqar Hamza | Published: June 19, 2009

KARACHI - The flow of marble exports is likely to be diverted towards Balochistan as the other major areas of
marble production (Swat region) are under duress.
It is noteworthy that some 80 types of marble are available in Balochistan and being near to Karachi port it has
an edge over NWFP, while the government can earn some 200 to 300 million dollars per year if some incentives
are given to marble sector in Balochistan.
It is pertinent to mention that Onex is only produced in Balochistan, while the growth of 59.57% was recorded in
marble sector in 2008-09 in Balochistan.
‘Due to global recession Europe is going to be major market for our Marble products, on the other hand China is
currently the biggest market of our marble products,’ said Sardar Shaukat, Chairman Balochistan Economic
Forum.
The need is simply incentives; subsidy on electricity should be given as this sector is highly dependent of it, relief
in duties and taxes is required though the current taxes are not unjustified, financial relief to be given to the
individual mill owners, he added.
Besides, the mining sector should be equally treated, while mill owners and industrialists should be given relief.
The provincial budget is likely to be announced on June 20 and nothing is expected, yet it would be much help to
the sector if the provincial government makes a committee and takes the federal government on board for the