Ban on trade of precious stones irk traders in Badakhshan

FAIZABAD (SW) – The alliance of gemstone traders in Badakhshan claim ban on trade of precious stone in the area has led to closure of their business.

Hidayatullah Hakimi, head of the alliance of gemstone traders in Badakhshan, told Salam Watnadar two years ago, not only thousands of local were employed by this sector, the gemstones were also exported to Turkey, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. He said if the gemstone processing factories are allowed to work, it can create jobs for up to 5000 locals, however, ban on movement of gemstones imposed by the government has led to the closure of such factories.

Gul Ahmad, one of the factory workers, said many like him had good jobs, however, many of the jobless workers have either migrated to neighboring countries or have joined the ranks of the Taliban.

Meanwhile,  Haseeb Daqiq, head of the directorate of commerce, has clarified that the move is aimed at curbing illegal trade of the gemstones. He said the local traders are allowed to move up to 500kg of gemstone per month.                          

The lapis lazuli mines have been under the control of the armed gangs for years who got busy in its illegal trade. Afterwards, the government imposed a ban on movement of large quantity of it.

ENDS