Ex-Senator Lashkari Raisani Urges Baloch Unity, Warns of Deepening Crises; Vows Legal Fight Over Mines Law

Quetta — Senior politician and former senator Nawabzada Haji Mir Lashkari Khan Raisani warned on Thursday that administrative, economic, social and political crises in Balochistan are deepening and urged the province’s people to take ownership of their land and resources. Speaking at a gathering of party workers and students at Sarawan House, Raisani said the defence of the homeland, protection of natural resources and the survival of future generations must be fought by the people themselves. ([Dawn][1])

Raisani criticised a series of legislative and administrative measures he said have undermined provincial rights and harmed public interest — citing the DHA-related legislation, the Reko Diq agreements and the recently passed Mines and Minerals Act as examples of decisions that commodify Balochistan’s resources and erode locals’ parliamentary and democratic rights. He said such measures were pushed through assemblies without adequate public debate and that political actors who should be resisting these moves have largely remained silent. ([Dawn][1])

Recounting his long opposition to deals like Reko Diq, Raisani said he had fought politically since 2010 and, after being unable to secure change in the assembly, resorted to the courts. He reiterated his intention to challenge the Mines and Minerals Act in the courts to safeguard provincial ownership of minerals and natural wealth. ([Dawn][1])

The veteran leader called on Balochistan’s people to subordinate personal interests to the national good and press forward with political action to defend the province’s territorial and economic rights. He also criticised what he described as the role of “outside” actors and facilitators who, he said, are inflaming local problems and exploiting the province’s resources. ([The News International][2])

Raisani appealed for unity among all communities in Balochistan and urged political parties and opposition figures to more forcefully highlight government missteps, oppose legislation that runs counter to public interest, and prevent corruption. ([Dawn][1])