Balochistan Assembly Sees Heated Debate Over Land Allocation, Development Funds and Border Facilities
Quetta: A tense session of the Balochistan Assembly witnessed strong criticism over land allotments, development funds, governance issues, and border infrastructure, while several resolutions and legislative amendments were approved.
During the session, BNP lawmaker Mir Asadullah Baloch raised concerns over the non-release of development funds for constituency PB-29 Panjgur under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2024-25.
He said all 64 assembly members received development allocations except his constituency, despite a ruling by the Balochistan High Court directing authorities to release the funds. He termed the situation a major cause of deprivation and unrest in the province.
Provincial Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi responded by saying he would recommend to the chief minister that funds be allocated for PB-29 in the next budget. The Speaker directed that the court verdict be forwarded to the Chief Secretary for implementation.
Another heated moment came when assembly member Maulvi Noorullah questioned the proposed allocation of large tracts of land in Qila Saifullah to mining companies, including BMRL and Western Company.
He alleged that previously leased mining areas were also being included in the allotments and warned that if “outsiders” were granted land in their region, locals could be forced to “go to the mountains,” reflecting strong opposition to the Mines and Minerals Act.
The notice was later disposed of after discussion.
Meanwhile, Haq Do Tehreek lawmaker Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman presented a resolution demanding better facilities at the Gehd Border crossing.
He said traders at the legal border crossing contribute billions of rupees in taxes every month, yet the area lacks basic services such as clean drinking water, electricity, internet access, roads, and security.
Speaking on the resolution, Mir Zahoor Buledi acknowledged ongoing issues caused partly by the regional situation involving Iran and said the provincial government would work to improve conditions for traders and residents. The resolution was unanimously approved by the house.
The assembly also passed a resolution presented by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola on behalf of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, calling for the establishment of women’s technical and vocational training institutes at divisional headquarters across Balochistan.
The resolution emphasized the importance of technical education and vocational training for women’s economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and sustainable development in remote and underdeveloped areas of the province.
In addition, a resolution by National Party lawmaker Mir Rehmat Saleh Baloch seeking to rename the province’s coastal region as “Bahra-e-Baloch” was deferred due to the mover’s absence from the session.
