Balochistan: Artists making ‘useful’ things from waste tyres

You have usually seen used and old tires burning in protests, demonstrations and factories but have you ever thought of using these tires for another purpose after they become useless?

Siddiqullah Tareen, a shopkeeper from Kali Sebzai area of ​​Pashin district of Balochistan, not only thought so but also what.

These ‘eco-friendly’ vendors make various unique sculptures from these tires.

Three or four years ago, there was a shortage of tubs for the animals in their house and to meet the shortage, they made a tub from a waste tire and then slowly started making different things.

About this, Siddiqullah says that three years ago, he came to know that throwing and burning old tires spoils the environment and is harmful to humans.

He says he was told by his brother that it is better not to throw away or burn these tires so why not make them useful.

After that, Siddiqullah started working on this work regularly and so far he has created many animal sculptures, children’s swimming pools, children’s toys and household items such as chandeliers, air coolers, pots, wash basins, motorcycles and Chairs etc. have been made.

Siddiqullah buys tires from various countries from Chaman, a border town in Balochistan, brings them to Quetta and keeps them in a warehouse attached to the shop, where he later makes them into various products.

They have also built a small museum where different types of sculptures are kept which is visited by many people.

This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).

Siddiqullah says that ‘it is better that the youth of Balochistan try to do something by themselves that will be considered a positive initiative in the society, rather than begging others.’

He added: ‘I also deal in new and used tires in this shop as well as ordering new tires from other countries besides the surrounding areas.’

He says that with the help of his art, he wants to convey a message to people that instead of burning old and useless tires, they should be made environment-friendly.

According to Siddiqullah, instead of burning these tires in protest, it is better to use them to one’s advantage. “If people think that it is our loss, then nothing in the world will be useless.”

According to Siddiqullah: ‘I think it can be 100 percent environmentally friendly. The smoke and fire of the tire is very different and sharper than the rest, meaning that humans can be affected by its smoke and fire.’