Balochistan Assembly Passes Multiple Resolutions Amid Heated Discussions

QUETTA : The Balochistan Assembly, during its recent session held under the chairmanship of Speaker Capt (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, passed several significant resolutions while voicing strong concerns on various pressing issues.
One of the key resolutions included extending the late registration period of births from 20 to 30 years and transferring the authority from civil judges to local council administrators. The Assembly also approved a resolution to award the contract for the Zhob National Highway and to divide the Rakhshan Division into two National Assembly constituencies.
In recognition of the late Dr. Mehrullah Khan Tareen’s services and martyrdom in a recent attack, the Assembly passed a resolution declaring him a martyr and recommended naming a cancer hospital after him.
Opposition members raised strong objections to the Mines and Minerals Bill, accusing the government of reintroducing federal powers that had previously been removed. The opposition staged a walkout but returned following assurances and intervention by a government committee.
The Assembly also discussed the longstanding delay in the Basool Dam (Ormara) project, where massive budget allocations have yielded no completion. JI’s MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman demanded transparency and completion timelines.
BNP-Awami’s Mir Asadullah Baloch criticized the exclusion of proposed development schemes for PB-29 Panjgur from the 2024-25 PSDP. The Speaker instructed relevant departments to clarify the situation.
Regarding Islamabad’s Balochistan House, lawmakers criticized high room rents and lack of basic facilities despite huge expenses. ANP’s Zamarak Khan Achakzai proposed forming a parliamentary committee to address the issue. Speaker ordered an official report from the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), with a possible referral to a standing committee if unsatisfactory.
Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri condemned the absence of ministers during question hour, suggesting scrapping the session if responses couldn’t be ensured. He also highlighted mismanagement and extravagant spending on Balochistan House renovations, including Rs. 60 million on five rooms.
Provincial Minister Abdul Rehman Khetran blamed water supply mafias for exploiting public resources and vowed to impose taxes on private water sellers.
JUI-F’s Maulvi Noorullah criticized the unequal implementation of provincial autonomy, claiming it favored Punjab, and warned of street protests if Balochistan’s rights continued to be ignored.
The Assembly session concluded with a Fateha for security forces’ martyrs and was adjourned until May 5 at 3:00 PM.