Look for Balochistan home-based working prospect.

• Author: Fazl-E-Haider, Syed

Byline: Syed Fazl-E-Haider

Home-based workers are a major section of the society. They have to be seen as workers and producers. For making them eligible for social protection, they should be recognized as workers in the labor laws of the country. Balochistan government has no database on skilled persons who work from home, as they are not recognized under labor laws. These home-based workers are simply a non-entity for the government.

The province produces quality handicrafts particularly the fine mirror work, embroidery, and marble work and fine quality precious stones. The embroidery of Makran, mirror work of Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti and Panjgor, Gold thread embroidery of Zhob and Sibi, leatherwork of Marri area, Lehri, Kalat and Turbat, Rugs and Namdas of Chaghi, Kalat, Ziarat and Pishin, Saddle bags of Bugti and Marri Tribal areas, Pottery of Dhadar, Bhag and Gulistan, perfume making of Kharan, Makran and Kalat, Wood carving of Kalat, stone carving of Nushki, Dalbandin and Quetta, Shoe making of Marri and Bugti areas, woolen products of Makran, Kharan and Chaghi, copper utensils of Loralai, jewellery of Makran, Khuzdar, Pishin, Lorali and Nushki and beadwork of Marri tribal areas.

Balochistan is known for unique and intricate production of handicrafts.Hand-made Balochi shoes are known for their durability, uniqueness and fineness all over the country. The local makers of Balochi chapal feel proud of their art, which is their cultural heritage. Unfortunately, this heritage is diminishing due to the rising prices of raw material and lack of patronage from the government.

In the provincial capital Quetta, there are dozens of shops where Balochi chapal are sold at a price of Rs.1000 to Rs.5000. On the eve of Eid, these shops remain crowded. The shoes of choice are also made on order. The pairs of shoes with Balochi embroidery are sold at higher prices. The hand-made manufacturing of Balochi shoes is a fine work requiring keen attention and hard work.

Shoe making of Marri and Bugti areas is famous for its peculiar styles and designs. The local shoe makers presently find it difficult to earn a handsome profit, as the cost of manufacturing is soaring with the rising prices of raw material including leather, thread, piece of tyre and so on.

"We are observing decline in sales of Balochi chapel for the last three years. The people purchase our shoes once in a year particularly on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. Wide-availability of Chinese...