ANP Balochistan President Criticizes Mines and Minerals Bill, Calls it Anti-People and Undemocratic

Quetta:Asghar Khan Achakzai, the President of the Awami National Party (ANP) Balochistan, has strongly criticized the recently approved Mines and Minerals Bill by the Balochistan Assembly, calling it “anti-people” and “undemocratic.” He expressed concerns over the manner in which the bill was swiftly passed through the Standing Committee and Assembly, stating that it not only undermines democratic values but also appears to be part of a deliberate conspiracy.

According to Achakzai, the elections held on February 8, 2024, were aimed at paving the way for such decisions, with the objective of keeping the elected leadership of the people out of the Assembly. He further argued that the Mines and Minerals Bill, along with other measures such as the termination of the Levies force, the integration of the police, and the inclusion of the Balochistan Constabulary into the FC, are against the people’s mandate and will be opposed by the ANP through public power.

Achakzai also labeled the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as an institution attempting to seize the resources of Balochistan and Pashtunkhwa. He claimed that these actions were part of a long-term plan to reverse the 18th Amendment and implement the Bajwa Doctrine. The ANP, he assured, would take a stand against these moves in the best interest of the people.