Resolution on Abolition of Sardari System Rejected in Balochistan Assembly by 6 Votes to 5

QUETTA (Daily Qudrat): In the Balochistan Assembly session, various important matters came under discussion, including funds for development schemes in Panjgur, border trade, the recovery of 14-year-old Bandia Kumari, the abolition of the Sardari system, teaching of the Arabic language in government primary schools and the launch of air operations between Quetta and Sukkur.

The House rejected the resolution on the abolition of the Sardari system by 6 votes to 5, while approving the resolution to introduce basic Arabic language education in government primary schools. Due to the lack of quorum, the session was adjourned until 16 November.

The Balochistan Assembly session on Friday began 40 minutes late under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola. At the start of the session, Fateha was offered for the repose of the souls of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s aunt and Senator Dinesh Kumar’s nephew.

During the session, MPA Mir Asadullah Baloch presented an adjournment motion regarding delays in the completion of various development projects in Panjgur, including Shaheed Chowk Garkman, and said that about 80 percent of the work on the projects has been completed; however, the remaining 20 percent of the work is stalled due to non-availability of funds. He said that only one to two percent of funds have been allocated for these schemes.

Provincial Minister Mir Saleem Khosa replied that a letter has been written to the Finance Department for the release of funds for four development schemes in Panjgur; however, about 300 development schemes in the province also face the problem of funding. The adjournment motion was later disposed of.

On a point of order, MPA Shahida Rauf, welcoming Corps Commander 12 Corps Lieutenant General Inayat Hussain’s statement regarding the opening of the border, said that border trade is a source of livelihood for thousands of people in Balochistan. The government should translate statements regarding opening the border into practical steps so that people in border areas can get employment opportunities and the province can see promotion of economic activities.

The matter of the alleged abduction and recovery of 14-year-old Bandia Kumari was also raised forcefully in the session. MPA Ashok Kumar said that Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langogo did not take the minority members of the Assembly into confidence on this matter, and he is not satisfied with the progress made so far. On this occasion, Ashok Kumar and Sanjay Kumar protested in front of the Speaker’s dais, while slogans were also raised in favour of Bandia Kumari’s recovery.

MPA Sanjay Kumar said that 27 days have passed since Bandia Kumari’s alleged abduction, and the government should take immediate steps to produce the girl before the court or hand her over to her parents.

Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi, condemning the incident, said that this is an extremely heinous act; the people and government of Balochistan express solidarity with the minority community, and the injustice done to the girl is contrary to Baloch and Pashtun traditions.

During the session, Jamaat-e-Islami Balochistan Ameer Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman presented a resolution on the abolition of the Sardari system. The resolution demanded that effective implementation of the 1976 law abolishing the Sardari system be ensured, because in some areas of the province the remnants of this system continue to exercise illegal authority, forced labour and exploitation, which is affecting citizens’ basic rights and access to education, health and justice.

Discussing the resolution, Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi supported it and said that all human beings are equal and every citizen should get rights on the basis of equality. He said that due to the negative attitudes of the Sardari system, Asma Jattak faced difficulties in obtaining justice in Khuzdar.

MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail, opposing the resolution, said that he is against oppressive Sardars; however, some tribal personalities are playing a positive role for education, development and prosperity.

Ali Madad Jattak, supporting the resolution, said that educated youth are not supporters of the Sardari system; however, there are also good Sardars in society. Zabid Riki said that he is against not Sardars but oppressive elements. Farah Azeem Shah said that one must stand against every system that keeps Balochistan backward; however, all Sardars and Nawabs cannot be seen with the same eye.

Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri, participating in the debate, said that he does not support any oppressor or killer and has always been against oppression and brutality. Referring to Nawab Aslam Raisani’s role in securing the NFC Award for Balochistan, he said that in the Asma Jattak case in Khuzdar, his nephew sacrificed his life, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and their family also made sacrifices.

Later, voting was held on the resolution, in which 5 members voted in favour and 6 against, and thus the resolution on the abolition of the Sardari system was rejected.

In the House, MPA Shahida Rauf presented a resolution to introduce basic Arabic language education as a compulsory subject in government primary schools. The resolution recommended including basic Arabic words, grammar and the meanings of Quranic words within the curriculum, along with the provision of trained teachers and standard textbooks.

Former Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, supporting the resolution, said that along with Arabic, Balochistan’s local mother tongues should also be included in the curriculum. He stressed ensuring implementation of the law passed in 2013 regarding education in mother tongues. MPA Kulsoom Baloch also supported making mother tongues part of the curriculum.

Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Durrani said that the Holy Quran is being taught with recitation and translation in educational institutions, and Arabic has been made part of the curriculum. The government is also trying to start education in mother tongues; however, resources and other issues are faced in this regard. Later, the House approved the resolution regarding introducing basic Arabic language education.

During the session, a joint resolution by women members was presented by MPA Shehnaz Umrani, demanding the launch of air operations between Quetta and Sukkur. Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, supporting the resolution, said that Balochistan’s highways should be made safe so that citizens have less need for air travel and ground travel facilities can be improved.

Later, during the session, quorum was pointed out. Despite bells ringing for five minutes, quorum could not be completed, upon which the Deputy Speaker adjourned the Balochistan Assembly session until 16 November.