Yahya Reki
Quetta: 57 years old Shoukat Ali Hazara belongs to Marri Abad Quetta. He is working as a Local Shoe Maker to earn his livelihood and meet his household needs.
Shoukat said that people of Balochistan wear traditional Balochi “Paazawar” during summer while they like complete shoes during the winter season. Youngsters want different designs such as Durbin, brook, long and mong shoes. “I made one pair readymade shoes in two days while taking more than 10 to 15 days in orderly shoes,” said Shoukat Hazara. He added that we use leather, foam, tyres, solutions, and pieces of cloth in making shoes. Shoukat added we import tyres and other materials from Iran and Turkey.
Shoukat Ali said I am working for 30 years as a shoe-maker. He said it is very hard to left shops and go home with empty pockets in the evening. He further said we have bought tyres for 60 to 80 rupees per Kg in the past, which has increased to 180 rupees. Now “Tabdeeli Sarkar” is creating hurdles for them. He added increasing inflation in not more affordable, it is not possible for me to pay shop rent and also fulfill other basic needs in this era.
Qurban Ali a working laborer in the local shoe market said while talking to Balochistan Voices that Prime Minister Imran Khan has forgotten his electoral campaign slogans for public welfare. Qurban added after 2019, Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) government is failed to maintain prices of food and other items. He said the dollar rate is flying on hikes which impacts their work badly.
Qari Abdul Rahim a customer said locally made shoes are available at low prices rather than brand, these are very durable. He added I bought local shoes at once and use it for a year with ease.
Shoukat Ali Hazara lamented that due to inflation in rates has decreased people’s interest, they buy a pair only on Eid or other functions.
People urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to fulfill his vows and control the inflation to ease out their problems.
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