Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Wednesday reserved its judgement on a constitutional petition challenging the provincial government’s proposed plan to demolish the Balochistan Assembly building, a structure of historical and cultural significance. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and Justice Muhammad Amir Nawaz Rana, heard arguments from both sides during the proceedings.
The petition, filed by former Supreme Court Bar Association president Amanullah Kanrani, contended that the government’s plan to replace the assembly building with a new one violated constitutional safeguards on heritage. The court was urged to issue a restraining order to halt the demolition, which was allegedly driven by political motives without cabinet approval or legal justification.
Kanrani argued that spending Rs. 5 billion to demolish a usable, historically significant building would be an unjustifiable waste of public funds. He invoked Article 28 of the Constitution, which mandates the protection of cultural heritage, and Article 199(2), emphasizing the High Court’s responsibility to safeguard fundamental rights.
The court heard that a discussion regarding the assembly’s renovation took place during a session on June 27, 2024. Former Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, opposition leader Younis Aziz Zehri, Planning Minister Zahoor Bulidi, and Speaker Captain Abdul Khaliq Achakzai were part of the talks. However, the petitioners argued that the plan was not approved by the cabinet, making the move illegal.
Advocate Rahab Khan Bulidi, representing Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, also assisted the petitioner during the hearing. The court announced that it would issue its verdict based on the evolving circumstances of the case.
