Political Leaders Challenge Fake Mines and Minerals Act in Court, Vow to Fight for Balochistan’s Rights
Quetta:Senior politician Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani, the founder leader of the National Democratic Movement and former Senator Afrasiab Khattak, and Dr. Ishaq Baloch of the National Party have announced their intention to challenge the recently passed Mines and Minerals Act in the court. The Act, they argue, grants the federal government control over Balochistan’s resources, effectively depriving the province of its rightful assets. They condemned the law as “fake” and unjust, stating it was passed by a puppet assembly formed through what they term a “dummy election.”
The leaders made these remarks during a press conference at the Sarawan House in Quetta on Sunday, following a high-level meeting where they discussed their plans for the upcoming legal and political struggle. Also present were several key figures, including Aslam Baloch and Chingiz Hai Baloch Advocate from the National Party, and Ahmad Jan, President of the National Democratic Movement, along with a significant number of lawyers.
Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani criticized the recent elections, claiming that many political parties did not consider them free and fair. He alleged that the law transferring Balochistan’s control over its natural resources to the federal government was rushed through by a “dummy assembly” that had no real mandate from the people. “This law essentially robs Balochistan of its resources, going against the principles of the 18th Constitutional Amendment that granted provinces control over their assets,” he said.
He further emphasized that, through this Mines and Minerals Act, the federal government was infringing on Balochistan’s rights and resources. “This is a violation of our constitutional rights,” Raisani stated. “We will challenge this unconstitutional law in the court and will mobilize support from other political parties for a series of petitions to challenge it.”
Afrasiab Khattak, former senator and founding leader of the National Democratic Movement, also condemned the bill, stating that Balochistan’s natural resources were historically always under provincial control, even before the 18th Amendment. “The wealth of Balochistan belongs to its people, and we are committed to protecting it from exploitation by the federal government,” he said. He also warned of potential moves in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to pass similar laws, pledging to challenge them both legally and through public protest.
Dr. Ishaq Baloch of the National Party underscored that his party has never compromised on Balochistan’s resources and principles. “We believe in the constitutional right of the province to control its natural wealth,” he said. “The recent law is a direct attempt to undermine the 18th Amendment, which gave provinces the autonomy to manage their resources.”
The leaders expressed their hope that the judiciary would take a firm stand in defending Balochistan’s constitutional rights. They reiterated their determination to prevent the exploitation of the province’s valuable minerals, including rare minerals, by outside forces.
When asked about recent comments from the Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) regarding the management of resources, Afrasiab Khattak said that government officials should refrain from making political statements, especially about matters involving the province’s natural wealth, which belongs to the people of Balochistan.
Regarding the 2018 and upcoming 2024 elections, the leaders alleged widespread rigging and corruption. “In 2018, the elections were rigged, and in 2024, even more manipulation is taking place. We will hold the perpetrators accountable,” Raisani added.
The leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to a legal and political fight to defend Balochistan’s rights, promising to continue their struggle for justice and accountability at all forums, including the courts. “We will not allow the plundering of our resources by any external or federal force,” they concluded.
