Balochistan Assembly Condemns Surab Attack, Offers Prayers for Slain ADC Hidayat Baloch; Health Reforms Bill Referred to Standing Committee

Quetta – The Balochistan Assembly session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, began with Fatiha Khwani (prayers) for Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Surab, Hidayat Baloch, who was martyred in a recent terrorist attack. Members across party lines strongly condemned the tragic incident and called for decisive action against those responsible.
During the session, Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar introduced the Balochistan Health Institutions Reform Bill 2025 (Bill No. 20), which was formally referred to the Standing Committee for further review.
Speaking on the incident, Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Buledi said, “The Surab tragedy was horrific. Anti-state elements damaged public property. It is time to root out such forces once and for all.”
Opposition Leader Younis Aziz Zehri criticized the lack of responsiveness from the bureaucracy, stating that their questions and official letters often go unanswered. In response, Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola issued a ruling, and Minister Saleem Khosa assured the House that both government and opposition members have the right to access information, urging departmental secretaries to cooperate with all legislators.
Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, a prominent opposition figure, urged the Chief Minister to remain firm and not yield to any blackmail. He emphasized that the opposition would also not fall prey to political manipulation and stressed mutual respect, saying, “Protesting is our democratic right. We stand with the government on matters of public interest.”
He further highlighted the presence of illegal trawler mafias in Balochistan’s coastal areas, an issue echoed by Advisor for Fisheries Barkat Rind, who noted that three illegal trawlers were recently seized, and legal action has been initiated.
Rahmat Baloch of the National Party also condemned the killing of ADC Hidayat and damage to public property, calling for proper protocol and respect for opposition members in public events, stressing, “We are elected representatives and must be treated accordingly.”
The Balochistan Assembly session was adjourned until 3 PM on June 3, 2025.