Balochistan Assembly Passes Solarization and Power Theft Bill Despite Opposition’s Objections

Quetta:The Balochistan Assembly passed the **Agricultural Solarization and Power Theft Prevention Bill** despite strong objections from the opposition. The session was held under the chairmanship of Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

During the session, **Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar**, speaking on a point of order, revealed that two individuals were martyred in a recent **bomb blast near a vehicle in the Killi Manglam area of Quetta**. He blamed the **terrorist group Fitna-e-Hindustan**, claiming the victims had been targeted for **refusing to pay extortion money**. He vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

On another point of order, **MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman** apologized on the assembly floor for a heated exchange with the **Secretary of Fisheries** during a committee meeting earlier in the day.

The main highlight of the session was the presentation of the **Agricultural Solarization and Electricity Theft Prevention Bill** by **Parliamentary Secretary Zain Khan Magsi**.

Opposition Leader **Younus Zehri** objected to the bill, requesting it be sent back to the standing committee for further review. However, **Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti** recommended the bill be passed with amendments, proposing a **fine of Rs. 2 million** for landlords who illegally reconnect electricity by paying bribes after disconnection.

The Chief Minister explained that earlier, electricity subsidies covered both agricultural tube wells and households, but with solarization underway, **power feeders for tube wells are now being disconnected**.

Younus Zehri argued that they were **not demanding free electricity**, but merely asking for **metered reconnections**. He criticized **QESCO** (Quetta Electric Supply Company), calling it a “white elephant” and accused it of neglecting public issues.

**MPA Asghar Tareen** raised concerns that not all farmers in Balochistan had received funds for solarization, stating that the **federal government has yet to release the full amount**, and thus, the bill should be deferred until funding is complete.

Despite the opposition’s concerns, the assembly **approved the bill**, and the session was **adjourned until 3 PM today**.