QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution calling for a review of the recently passed Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act amid concerns raised by several political parties.
The Balochistan Assembly session on Monday was held under the chairmanship of Panel of Chairmen member Rehmat Saleh Baloch. Public Accounts Committee Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen presented the resolution, which was jointly moved by Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Engineer Zamarak Khan Achakzai, Molana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, Mir Jahanzaib Mengal, Khair Jan Baloch, Mir Ghulam Dastgir Badini, and Fazal Qadir Mandokhail. The resolution urged the provincial government to reassess the Mines and Minerals Act and address the objections raised by political parties.
Tareen noted that although this was the first time the provincial assembly had passed its own Mines and Minerals Act, its provisions had sparked reservations. He said that by reviewing the act, the government could remove ambiguities and ensure broader acceptance.
National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch stressed that control over mines and minerals had always belonged to the province and must remain so. He recalled that under the previous law, projects had been placed under federal jurisdiction, which he said undermined provincial authority.
Chief Minister Bugti told the assembly that his coalition government’s consistent stance had been to seek wide consensus on all important provincial matters. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also directed the government to pursue a joint strategy with the opposition and other political parties.
Bugti explained that when the Mines and Minerals Bill was introduced, both treasury and opposition lawmakers were brought together and the matter was referred to a committee for thorough review. Detailed clause-by-clause deliberations were later held at the Chief Minister’s House with the participation of relevant associations and experts. He said while mistakes in understanding or interpretation were possible, some elements had unfortunately tried to politicize the issue. He underscored that the assembly was a supreme institution and all decisions should be taken within its forum.
The chief minister said the government had again invited the opposition, including parties not represented in the house, to present their views and work towards consensus. “If the opposition or other parties object to certain clauses, we are ready to improve them. If they are convinced by our arguments, that too will be part of the democratic process,” he stated.
Bugti thanked the opposition and the speaker for providing a constructive environment, which led to agreement that the bill should be reframed as a joint resolution. The assembly secretariat, he said, would guide the process so that the bill could be reintroduced and passed unanimously. He also clarified that, on the opposition’s request, implementation of the Mines and Minerals Act had been suspended through an executive order, and efforts would be made in the next 10 to 15 days to reach consensus. He said consultations could be held at the CM House or in the assembly, with federal representatives and other stakeholders included to ensure all aspects were covered. The assembly session was later adjourned until Thursday, October 2, at 3pm.
