QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly session on Wednesday turned tense as members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) traded barbs over each other’s role in the provincial and federal governments. Both sides warned that lack of cooperation could lead to the collapse of their respective governments.
The session, presided over by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, began with Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri raising a point of order about the delay in the dualisation of the Karachi-Chaman Highway. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had inaugurated the project three years ago, but work had yet to be completed. “The construction company is performing poorly; even the old road has deteriorated,” he said. The Speaker directed that NHA officials and the contractor be summoned next week.
PPP Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani criticised the federal government for neglecting Balochistan, warning that if the Peoples Party withdrew its support, the federal coalition could collapse “within a minute.” He demanded a day be set aside to debate the province’s issues and suggested forming a delegation to visit Islamabad for talks.
PPP’s Haji Ali Madad Jatak condemned the armed attack on MPA Barkat Rind’s house, calling it against Baloch and Pashtun traditions. JUIF’s Molvi Noorullah criticised the Centre for allocating only Rs560 million out of Rs56 billion for the Quetta-Zhob CPEC road project, calling it “a joke.” He said the Centre only exploits Balochistan’s resources while ignoring its development.
JUIF MPA Mir Zabeed Ali Reki raised concerns about a Baloch youth dismissed from the Securities and Exchange Commission after a week of employment. The Speaker assured he would take up the issue with the relevant authorities.
JUIF member Shahida Rauf criticised both coalition partners — PPP and PMLN — for acting as opposition to each other within the provincial government. “We should look at our own weaknesses before blaming the Centre. The House functions properly only when the chief minister is present,” she said.
Parliamentary Secretary Barkat Rind, whose house was attacked for the third time, said, “If someone wants to kill me, they should face me directly — attacking my home and children is against Baloch traditions.”
PMLN MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail called for unity among coalition partners, saying, “PPP and PMLN are both part of the government. Criticising each other publicly is wrong. If the PMLN withdraws, your government will not survive.”
Minority MPA Dr Ashok Kumar said the Christian community in Balochistan was being neglected and demanded an inquiry into funds allocated for minorities. Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Kumar refuted the claim, saying aid cheques for deserving Christian families were ready for distribution.
Adviser to CM Meena Majeed extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community.
Minister Saleem Khosa said police personnel would be deployed for Barkat Rind’s security and defended the federal government, saying it was funding development projects, including schools and road construction in the province.
He added that the PMLN had consistently supported the PPP at all levels and that both parties would continue their joint struggle for Balochistan’s rights.
The question hour was postponed due to the absence of the concerned minister, prompting Opposition Leader Younus Zehri to stage a walkout and point out quorum, leading to a 15-minute suspension of the session.
Later, the House resumed and Revenue Minister Asim Kurd Gello presented the Agha Khan Properties Inheritance and Transfer Bill, which was referred to the relevant standing committee. The session was then adjourned until October 24 at 3:00pm.