QUETTA: The economic impact of the decades-long Afghan refugee presence ending is now hitting Quetta hard, with the city’s real estate market facing a severe downturn.
Areas that were home to Afghan refugees for the past four decades, where many owned property, are now experiencing a massive sell-off. Following the federal and provincial governments’ decision ordering their departure, refugees are liquidating their assets and returning.
This exodus has caused a devastating crash in property values in suburbs like Eastern Bypass, Satellite Town, Nawakilli, Saryab Road, Kharotabad, and Pashtunabad. These areas have recorded a historic price drop ranging from 70% to as high as 90%.
However, the crisis is not confined to the suburbs. Real estate agents report that while prices in Quetta’s central (posh) areas have not officially fallen, the market has completely frozen. Transactions are now “near zero,” leaving property dealers in severe financial distress.
Experts warn that if the government does not provide tax relief or a support package for this sector, Quetta’s real estate industry could face a complete shutdown, which would negatively impact the city’s entire economy.
