Balochistan Assembly Passes Five Key Bills, Calls for Reports on Gas, Drugs and Education Issues
Quetta: The Balochistan Assembly has approved five important legislative bills, including the Balochistan Universities Amendment Bill, during its latest session, while also directing multiple departments to submit detailed reports on pressing public issues.
According to proceedings, the assembly passed several bills including amendments related to anti-begging laws, technical education and vocational training authority, overseas Pakistanis commission, and the service tribunal, following recommendations of standing committees. The Universities Amendment Bill was also approved and presented by Provincial Minister Saleem Khosa.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti stated that the amendment extends the tenure of vice chancellors from three to four years.
During the session, a resolution regarding delays in sending fishermen from Gwadar to South Korea was addressed after assurances from the Chief Minister.
Lawmakers raised strong concerns over multiple issues including gas load management in Quetta, fake medicines, teacher salaries, and the non-availability of textbooks in government schools.
MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch strongly protested against the establishment of liquor shops in Gwadar and warned of direct action if they are not shut down. Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri also criticized the relocation of liquor shops and questioned licensing practices.
Chief Minister Bugti urged lawmakers not to take the law into their own hands, stating that action against illegal activities would be taken under relevant laws. Interior Minister Ziaullah Langove assured that the matter would be investigated, while the Speaker ordered reports from the Excise Department regarding liquor shops in Gwadar and Khuzdar.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over low salaries of teachers in NCHD and Balochistan Education Foundation schools, prompting the Speaker to seek a report from the Education Department. Similarly, concerns over fake medicines were referred to the Health Department for investigation.
The session saw further discussions on gas shortages, border trade issues, and infrastructure concerns. However, the meeting was adjourned after a lack of quorum was reported, with the next session scheduled for April 16 at 3 PM.
