3 Balochistan Assembly members injured in a clash with police
Syed Ali Shah:
Balochistan Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes as opposition lawmakers clashed with baton-wielding policemen on Friday evening. At least 3 members of the Balochistan Assembly suffered wounds during a clash with police.
Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (F) member, Abdul Wahid Siddiqui, Balochistan National Party ( Mengal) members Babu Rahim Mengal and Shakeela Naveed Dehwar got injured inside the assembly. The Gate of the assembly fell on legislators when a police armored vehicle hit the gate to open the road. “Police used force against opposition”, Sanaullah Baloch, the BNP lawmaker said. However, police said the opposition supporters had blocked access to the assembly.
The opposition has accused the Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan led government of ignoring their constituencies in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) in the budget. The charge vehemently denied by the provincial government.
The opposition legislators shifted to the hospital for medical treatment. However, doctors said the legislators suffered minor injuries and their condition is out of danger.
Hundreds of baton-wielding policemen deployed
Hundreds of baton-wielding policemen deployed in and outside the Balochistan Assembly to maintain the order. The enraged opposition workers gathered inside the assembly and chanted full-throated slogans against the government.
Opposition lawmakers staged a sit-in within Balochistan Assembly in protest against the government. Over 20 legislators from the opposition along with dozens of supporters staged the sit-in.
Main reason behind the opposition’s protest
Opposition political parties have blocked all key routes across Balochistan in protest over what they called the present government’s discriminatory policies. Opposition lawmakers have also established a protest camp outside the Balochistan Assembly against the provincial government.
“Balochistan government has completely ignored our constituencies”, Malik Sikandar Advocate, the Opposition leader in Balochistan Assembly lamented. He said the government has deprived almost half of Balochistan of its basic rights.
JUI F, BNP M and PKMAP workers block roads
Workers of the component parties of the opposition including Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (F), Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) blocked main highways across the province.
More to follow
