Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA ) – A symbolic gesture has triggered a political firestorm in Balochistan. Zabid Ali Reki, a member of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), placed a traditional Balochi necklace around the neck of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, publicly thanking him for development funds — a move that has now cost him his party membership.
The act, seen as a public show of allegiance to the provincial government, violated JUI-F’s internal discipline and prompted immediate action. In a press conference held Monday evening in Quetta, JUI-F Balochistan Chief Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey announced the suspension of Reki’s membership.
Party Discipline Breach and Leadership Reaction
“Zabid Ali Reki’s gesture was a personal decision, carried out without the consultation or consent of the party’s leadership,” said Maulana Abdul Wasey. He emphasized that JUI-F lawmakers must strictly adhere to the party line, especially in matters involving political symbolism and public appearances.
The senator reaffirmed that JUI-F remains committed to principled politics, adding, “We stand with the Constitution, the rule of law, and the people’s right to transparency and accountability.”
Criticism of Mines and Minerals Act 2025
During the same press briefing, Maulana Abdul Wasey also strongly criticized the recently enacted Pakistan Mines and Minerals Act 2025, calling it a direct violation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which guarantees provincial autonomy over natural resources.
“This law undermines Balochistan’s control over its mineral wealth. Our party will use every legal and political avenue to resist this unconstitutional move,” he stated.
A Message to Lawmakers and the Public
The JUI-F leadership has sent a clear message: public gestures that conflict with the party’s stance will not be tolerated. The incident involving Zabid Ali Reki serves as a warning to other members to maintain discipline and respect party policy, especially on issues like provincial rights, resource control, and development funding transparency.
