Balochistan Assembly Passes Resolution Against Petroleum Levy Despite Government Opposition — House Demands Free Petrol Be Stopped and Unnecessary Privileges Ended

Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta) — In the Balochistan Assembly session, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the petroleum levy is collected by the federal government, and in view of the current regional tensions and wartime conditions, the federation is in dire need of these financial resources. He said that if conditions were normal, he would have supported the resolution regarding the abolition of petroleum levy and other collections; however, in the present situation, he personally does not support it. He said that members of the assembly are free to express their opinion on this matter.

Expressing his views on the resolution moved by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman regarding the abolition of petroleum levy and other collections, the Chief Minister said that revenue from the petroleum levy plays an important role in the federal government’s financial affairs. He noted that savings from the petroleum levy are also being used to construct the N-25 highway project in Balochistan.

The resolution stated that inflation in the country has made life difficult for ordinary citizens, while the increase in petroleum product prices due to the conflict between the United States and Iran has further compounded public hardships. According to the text of the resolution, the actual price of petrol, including customs duty and total cost, was stated at Rs 238.70, while in addition, Rs 80 petroleum levy, Rs 5 environmental levy, and Rs 25.30 in various margins are being collected.

The resolution recommended that the provincial government contact the federal government and demand the abolition of collections including the petroleum levy. It also proposed reviewing unnecessary government expenditures and privileges, ending or limiting the provision of free petrol, and ensuring the transparent and economical use of financial resources.

Speaking in support of the resolution, Opposition Leader Younus Aziz Zehri said that the people are already distressed by inflation, so the burden of additional collections on petroleum products should be reduced. Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran said that certain taxes are necessary to run the federal government and requested Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman to withdraw the resolution. Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau, also opposing the resolution, said that the Balochistan Awami Party supports the stance of the Leader of the House on this matter. Despite differing opinions, the Speaker announced the passage of the resolution after a vote.

The issue of irregularities regarding recruitments in the Forest Department also came under discussion in the session. The Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly said that action has already been taken against employees involved in this matter, so there is no need to form another committee.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, while presenting a notice of attention regarding the Planning and Development Department, sought details of projects initiated under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and projects included for Balochistan in its second phase.

The House unanimously passed a resolution moved by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola regarding the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, their rehabilitation, and the provision of equal opportunities. The resolution emphasized providing equal opportunities for education, employment, and social development to persons with disabilities, increasing facilities for quality education and vocational training for special children, and ensuring implementation of the allocated quota in government jobs.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare Wali Muhammad Norzai, supporting the resolution, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, steps are being taken for the welfare of special persons. He noted that schools have been established for special persons in the province, annual teaching training is being provided to 120 special persons, and work is ongoing to enhance their skills in handicrafts and modern technology sectors.

The matter of the madrasa bill also came under discussion in the session. Opposition Leader Younus Aziz Zehri and MPA Asghar Tareen said that in the context of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, promises were made regarding the approval of the madrasa bill, which should be fulfilled. Provincial Minister Sadiq Umrani said that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always played a role for democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. He asked opposition parties to provide their resolutions to the leadership, after which action would be taken according to the leadership’s instructions.

Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, expressing regret over the wrapping of the body of senior politician Dr. Abdul Hakim Lehri in the flag of a terrorist organization after his death, said that Dr. Abdul Hakim Lehri was an intellectual and an institution in himself. Condemning incidents of terrorism, he said that destroying bridges harms the people of the province, while terrorists are also targeting Baloch officers and unarmed citizens.

Later, the Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly adjourned the session until 3 pm on Monday.