he Pishin district is located in the north of Balochistan, some 80 kilometres from Bab-i-Dosti. Bab-i-Dosti connects Pakistan and Afghanistan. I discussed the economic potential of the district in one of my earlier articles. The district also houses an open market over an area of between three and four acres.

The market — known locally as Gunj — has been around for at least forty years. Gunj is a Persian word meaning treasure. For all these years it has been a source of livelihood for many people. Many residents of the area visit it on a daily basis. A conversation with the visitors allows one to appreciate its true potential and the many benefits it holds for the community.

The place has supported many businessmen and workers. The consumers land in this part of the city whenever they intend to make some purchases. Prices are mostly reasonable and the merchandise quality good.

Those looking for vegetables and fruits generally come to Gunj in the early hours. Fresh vegetables from both local farms and distant markets are available. The variety of fruits and vegetables depends on the season. The pomegranates from Kandahar are aplenty during the harvest months.

The abundance of dry fruits is a bonus. Most of these items are also available in other city markets but most people prefer purchasing dry fruits from Gunj because of better prices and quality.

A portion of Gunj is dedicated to electronic goods. Secondhand mobile phones are also sold here.

Laptop computers, too, are to be found here at reasonable prices. For the last eight years, the availability of laptops has declined. This trend has been blamed mostly on the exit of US forces from Afghanistan.

Bicycles imported from China and Japan are also found here. Sports bicycles are in high demand. Lately, the supply has declined. Still, most people consider Gunj the right place for purchasing a bicycle for children or for themselves. The availability of these bicycles depends on their crossing the Chaman border. The first bicycle my father purchased for me in 2006 was bought at the Gunj.

Here one can find bicycles imported from China and Japan. Sports bicycles are in high demand. Lately, the supply has declined. Even today, some people find Gunj an appropriate place for purchasing a bicycle for children or for themselves. The availability of these bicycles depends on their crossing the Chaman border.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Gunj used to have a sacrificial animals market. More recently, the district administration has shifted the facility to another location in the city.

The people of Pishin are fond of meat dishes, especially mutton. There are several meat shops in the open-air market. Meat prices here are slightly lower than in other city markets. This is important considering that those markets are only a few minutes’ walk away.

Another portion in Gunj is occupied by sellers of unstitched clothes and sports shoes. People prefer the quality and price of sports shoes over the ones available at other places. Affordable prices in various categories attract the consumers as well as those planning to start a business.

A few years ago, some sections of Gunj would sell antiques. Expensive watches including Rolex, Rado, Omega, Longines and Patek Philippe, among others, were in high demand. Branded pens, too, attracted a regular clientele. These included pens by Sheaffer, Parker, Waterman, Pelican and Pilot. Crockery is available even today but not in great demand. Many people in Pishin and its suburbs like to display beautiful collectibles in their guestrooms.

Over the last few years, the availability of foreign goods in Pishin’s Gunj has declined. One of the reasons has been the exit of the foreign forces from Afghanistan. Trade in local goods now dominates the market.

The business in general has been declining for a decade or so. Yet, trade in Pishin’s Gunj feeds many families. Restoring the market to its activity level a decade ago will bring economic benefits to many, including the poor. Once it is revived, it will be fair to compare it to Karachi’s Sher Shah Market.

The writer tweets @DawoodKhanHere. He can be reached at  dawoodkhan0666@gmail.com