Syed Ali Shah:
Quetta – Opposition lawmakers in the Balochistan Assembly staged a sit-in in front of the Speaker’s chair, protesting against the extended closure of the Pak-Iran border. The opposition expressed concerns over the economic hardships faced by local traders and workers due to the prolonged closure.
During the assembly session, opposition members raised slogans and demanded immediate action to reopen the border, citing critical losses impacting businesses and daily-wage earners in the region. Khair Jan Baloch, the panel chairman engaged in discussions with the lawmakers but did not commit to an immediate solution.
“The federal government’s worst policies are suffocating the people of Balochistan,” Maulana Rehman said passionately. “By closing borders and allowing illegal trawling to continue, they’re snatching the livelihoods of our fishermen in Gwadar and other coastal areas.”
The protest gained further momentum as lawmakers from the National Party (NP) and JUI-F joined in solidarity with the Maulana. “We stand with the people of Balochistan who are being deprived of economic opportunities,” one NP lawmaker remarked, supporting calls to reopen the border and halt illegal trawling.
Opposition leaders argued that the closure has led to severe economic consequences for Balochistan’s people, urging the provincial government to negotiate with federal authorities for a resolution.
The Pak-Iran border serves as a vital trade route for Balochistan, with thousands dependent on cross-border activities for their livelihood. The protest by opposition lawmakers highlights rising dissatisfaction with the lack of timely interventions from authorities.
