QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Monday passed five key legislative bills, including the Balochistan Universities (Amendment) Bill, while several important issues were raised through attention notices and parliamentary discussions.
The House sought detailed reports on low salaries of NCHD and BECS school teachers, delayed provision of textbooks, the sale of fake medicines in the province, increased gas load management in Quetta, and the rise of liquor outlets in Khuzdar and Gwadar. The session was later adjourned due to lack of quorum.
During the sitting, the Assembly approved the Balochistan Anti-Beggary Bill, Balochistan Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority Bill, Balochistan Overseas Pakistanis Commission Bill, and the Balochistan Service Tribunal (Amendment) Bill in light of recommendations from the relevant standing committees.
The Balochistan Universities (Amendment) Bill was also passed after being presented by Provincial Minister Saleem Khosa. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the amendment aims to increase the tenure of vice chancellors in provincial universities from three years to four years.
Assembly member Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman raised an attention notice regarding delays in sending fishermen from Gwadar to South Korea. The matter was disposed of after assurances from the Chief Minister.
Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman strongly protested against the liquor outlets in Gwadar and demanded their immediate closure, warning that he would take action himself if they were not shut down.
Opposition Leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri said a liquor outlet named “Jhalawan” had been opened in Quetta and was now being shifted to Khuzdar. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti urged members not to take the law into their own hands, stating that permits for liquor outlets are issued by the Excise Department and any illegal activity would be dealt with accordingly.
Home Minister Ziaullah Lango also assured that the matter would be taken up, while the Speaker directed the Excise Secretary to submit a report regarding liquor outlets in Khuzdar and Gwadar.
National Party MPA Khair Jan Baloch highlighted that teachers in NCHD and BECS schools are being paid only Rs12,000 despite the minimum wage being Rs37,000. He said these schools were previously under the federal government but are now managed by the provincial government. The Speaker sought a report from the Education Secretary.
BAP MPA Farah Azeem Shah expressed concern over the sale of counterfeit medicines in Balochistan, warning that it is contributing to an increase in diseases such as cancer. The Speaker directed the Health Minister to submit a report.
JUIF MPA Shahida Rauf protested against increased gas load shedding by Sui Southern Gas Company in Quetta, saying it has created severe hardship for residents, particularly women. The Speaker sought a report from the Managing Director of SSGC.
Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman also raised the issue of non-availability of textbooks despite the start of the academic year. The Speaker directed the Education Secretary to submit a report.
Parliamentary Secretary Asghar Rind demanded the restoration of the Abdohi border in Makran. National Party’s Rehmat Baloch pointed out that 55 LPG bowsers are currently stationed at the Iran-Pakistan Chidgi border, alleging negligence by both the federal and provincial governments.
Questions related to the Administration and Livestock departments were deferred due to the absence of the concerned ministers. Later, quorum was pointed out, bells were rung, but the required number of members was not present. The session was adjourned until 3pm on April 16.
