Balochistan Assembly Discusses Death in Police Custody; CM Opposes Fatiha for Criminal, Two Bills Referred to Committee

Quetta: The Balochistan Assembly session, presided over by Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, began on Tuesday with a 45-minute delay. The agenda included legislative matters and question hour.

At the start of the session, fatiha (prayers) was offered for several deceased individuals, including Shahida Rauf’s father-in-law, Naeem Bazei’s father, and Nawabzada Jameel Akbar Bugti. During question hour, the killing of a citizen in police custody was raised, with Agha Umar Ahmed Umarzai demanding an inquiry.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti stated that the investigation is ongoing and highlighted that the individual had a criminal record, asserting that offering fatiha in the Assembly for a criminal is inappropriate. He also mentioned training programs under BRSP aimed at diverting youth from smuggling in districts bordering Iran toward legal trade.

On legislative matters, Provincial Minister for Finance Shuaib Nosherwani presented the Balochistan Mines and Safety Draft Bill 2026, which was referred to the relevant standing committee. The Balochistan Witness Protection Amendment Bill 2026 was also tabled and sent to committee for further review.

The session further discussed damage caused by recent rains. Asad Baloch called for compensation for farmers in affected districts, while Zamrak Khan Achakzai urged immediate surveys of the affected areas. Former CM Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch urged early introduction of the Public Service Commission bill to save youth time and raised concerns about bank closures in Nushki due to security issues. Asghar Tarin expressed concern over law and order and water issues in Pishin, emphasizing the need for dam construction.

The Speaker adjourned the proceedings until April 10 at 3:00 PM.