Chaos in Balochistan Assembly: Heated Exchange Between Speaker and Opposition, Members Protest Silence

**Quetta:** A tense session of the Balochistan Assembly on Friday saw a fierce verbal clash between Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai and opposition members, leading the opposition to announce a protest by refusing to speak during the proceedings.

The confrontation began when opposition lawmakers attempted to raise issues but were repeatedly denied the floor. The Speaker emphasized that managing the assembly is his prerogative and that he alone decides which member may speak, warning that strict adherence to rules could make proceedings “tough” for the opposition. National Party member Mir Rehmat Saleh Baloch accused the Speaker of issuing threats, while Opposition Leader Younis Aziz criticized the Speaker’s partiality, stating that the opposition would refrain from speaking as a form of protest.

During the session, a controversy also erupted involving opposition member Farah Azim Shah, who attempted to welcome a guest without permission. The Speaker reprimanded her, insisting that proper procedures must be followed and instructing her to remain seated. Shah protested vehemently, standing in the assembly and repeatedly attempting to speak, but was denied permission throughout the session.

The incidents highlighted deep tensions between the Speaker and opposition members, raising questions about procedural fairness and the functioning of the Balochistan Assembly.