Former CM Malik Baloch Raises Land Concerns in Assembly; CM Sarfraz Bugti Vows Fair Resolution

Quetta:Former Chief Minister **Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch** on Friday voiced concerns in the Balochistan Assembly, stating that tribal lands in Baloch and Pashtoon districts of the province were being handed over to the **Forest Department**. He urged that tribal lands must not be allotted away from their rightful owners.

Responding to the concern, Chief Minister **Mir Sarfraz Bugti** clarified that a **Pashtoon Jirga**, led by **Nawab Ayaz**, had recently raised the issue of forest land allotments. He explained that in many districts, including Baloch and Pashtoon areas, forests once existed but have now disappeared. “For example, the District Headquarters land in Qilla Abdullah was classified as forest land, and we had to return it,” he said.

Bugti assured the house that **not even an inch of land injustice would be allowed**, adding that the matter was under review and would be addressed appropriately. He stressed that legislative matters must be resolved within the Assembly, while the courts’ role is to interpret the constitution.

The Chief Minister called on all political parties to join hands in reaching a **consensus on key issues**, including the **NFC Award** and the **Mines and Minerals Bill**. He stated that political parties, lawyers, and academia were being invited to submit proposals on the NFC Award to safeguard provincial interests.

He further suggested that both the **government and opposition nominate representatives** to form a joint committee for addressing provincial matters collectively. On this, the **Speaker ruled** that names would be sought from both sides to establish the committee. The **Leader of the Opposition** assured that the names of opposition members would be submitted to the Speaker within the week.