Opposition Walks Out of Balochistan Assembly Over Seminaries’ Closure Issue; Witness Protection Bill Passed

QUETTA (Web Desk) – The Balochistan Assembly witnessed strong opposition protests and a walkout over the issue of alleged closure of religious seminaries, while lawmakers also approved the Witness Protection Amendment Bill 2026.
The session, chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, began 32 minutes late and opened with prayers for the deceased, including Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idris Shaheed, Mir Ijaz Jhakarani, and Sharif Muhammad Hassani.
A heated exchange erupted between opposition and government members over the registration and sealing of religious seminaries across the province. Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri said there are around 2,600 seminaries in Balochistan, out of which 2,200 are registered, questioning why institutions willing to register were still being closed.
He alleged that seminaries were being sealed in the name of registration and clerics were being disrespected. He warned that if the situation continued, the opposition would launch street protests and could even start teaching outside the assembly.
Tensions escalated further when sharp exchanges took place between Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai and Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, creating a charged atmosphere in the house.
Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove stated that seminaries are “fortresses of Islam” and the government has no policy against them, but said certain security concerns necessitated precautionary measures. He also mentioned reports of foreign nationals allegedly present in some seminaries and said consultations were underway to resolve the issue.
Opposition members argued that seminaries were being targeted unfairly, pointing out that such actions are not being taken in other provinces. They demanded that if educational institutions are linked to security concerns, universities should also be treated equally.
The opposition staged a walkout in protest but later returned after assurances from the government.
The house also discussed the issue of alleged transfer of medical equipment from Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Saryab. Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak called for a transparent inquiry committee, while the Speaker summoned the Secretary of Health for clarification. Lawmakers expressed concern over reports of an attempt to relocate angiography equipment from the hospital.
During the session, the assembly passed the Balochistan Witness Protection Amendment Bill 2026 and the Balochistan Agricultural Produce Markets Bill 2025. The Balochistan Control of Narcotics Bill 2026 was referred to the relevant standing committee.
Other issues raised included unannounced load shedding in Saryab, closure of seminaries in Gwadar, and problems faced by fishermen. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman alleged that trawler mafia was illegally catching fish worth billions annually, harming local fishermen.
The session was adjourned until May 8.