Balochistan opposition refuses to withdraw 22-A application against CM
Syed Ali Shah :
Balochistan opposition members have refused to withdraw the 22-A application against chief minister Jam Kamal Khan. Deadlock persists between the provincial government and the protesting opposition members, despite repeated rounds of talks.
“Withdrawal of 22-A application for registration of FIR against CM and police officers is out of the question”, Malik Sikandar Advocate, the opposition leader in Balochistan Assembly said. Opposition’s protest entered 10th day at Bijli road police station.
“Reconciliation should be bilateral, not unliteral”, Asghar Achakzai
Police had lodged FIR against 17 legislators from opposition political parties for subjecting policemen to violence and violating the law on the eve of the budget session. “Reconciliation should be bilateral, not unliteral”, Asghar Khan Achakzai, the parliamentary leader of Awami National Party (ANP) said.
The opposition has accused the government of ignoring the constituencies of opposition lawmakers in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The charge vehemently denied by the government.
Speaker Bizenjo had given ruling for withdrawal of FIR
Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Qudoos Bizenjo had given a ruling about the withdrawal of FIR against opposition lawmakers. “Rulers used armored vehicles that left our 3 members injured on June 18”, Malik Sikandar Advocate asserted.
However, Mr. Achakzai lamented, “it is irony of fate that the champions of democracy attacked the parliament with the support of outsiders”. He mentioned that BNP (M), PKMAP, and JUI (F) were claiming to be the champion of democracy and supremacy of parliament. “For the sake of funds, they attacked the parliament”, the ANP leader added.
Withdrawal of 22-A application a pre-condition: Government
The negotiating government team has put withdrawal of 22-A application against chief minister Jam Kamal and police officers as a pre-condition for withdrawal of FIR. Moreover, the opposition lawmakers have threatened to intensify protest against the Balochistan government.
A local court in Quetta has fixed the opposition’s application for registration of FIR against the government on July 3rd for hearing.
