Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA, May 29 – The Balochistan Assembly session turned heated on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers walked out in protest against the provincial government’s decision to convert B-Area into A-Area without prior consultation.
Opposition leaders criticized the move as a violation of parliamentary procedures, alleging that the government bypassed elected representatives in making critical administrative changes. Opposition Leader Younas Aziz Zehri condemned the government’s handling of the matter, stating: “This is not a personal budget – it’s the people’s money. We will resist every anti-public decision.”
He further warned the treasury benches: “The month of June may pass, but how will these five years pass under such governance?” Opposition members pledged to fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that all budget decisions reflect the public interest.
In response, Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti dismissed the protest as political drama aimed at disrupting the upcoming budget session. “The opposition is creating noise to mislead the people and gain political mileage,” he remarked.
Defending the move, government lawmakers Zarak Mandokhail and Ali Madad Jatak emphasized that the B-Area to A-Area transformation was a provincial matter intended to improve law and order and governance. “If any constructive suggestions come from the federal level, we are open to them, but this is purely a provincial decision,” Mandokhail clarified.
The issue has sparked fresh tensions ahead of the crucial Balochistan budget 2025, with both sides vowing to fight for their version of public interest inside and outside the Assembly
