Manan Mandokhail, Syed Ali Shah
QUETTA: The Balochistan Provincial Assembly has endorsed a resolution condemning the recent terrorist attacks in the province, paving the way for an in-depth discussion in the upcoming session. The resolution was introduced during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, which commenced 20 minutes behind schedule.
Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Ali Madad Jatak, brought the resolution forward, vehemently condemning the August 26 attacks and urging strong measures against those seeking to destabilize Balochistan. “The entire nation is grieving over these cowardly acts of terrorism,” Jatak stated, offering condolences to the victims’ families. He also pointed out the exploitation of the youth by nefarious elements, citing the recent tragic suicide of Mahil Baloch in Bela, which left her father in shock.
The resolution garnered support from both government and opposition members. Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri backed the resolution, and Deputy Speaker Gola merged it with a similar resolution from the opposition, resulting in a joint resolution. The assembly sanctioned the resolution for a one-day debate in the next session.
The five-hour meeting also saw extensive discussions on the aftermath of the recent heavy rains in Balochistan. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam member Zabit Reki criticized the government’s selective designation of certain districts as disaster-prone, while other severely affected areas, including his own constituency, were ignored. Several members, including Zamrik Achakzai, Ghulam Dastgir Badini, Zafar Agha, and Dr. Nawaz Kabzai, voiced similar concerns, urging the government to provide relief efforts based on merit and extend support to all impacted regions.
A brief walkout occurred when opposition members objected to the deputy speaker’s decision to curtail the debate, but they later returned to the assembly floor at the government’s request.
The session concluded with the approval of the resolution condemning the August 26 terrorist attacks, with further discussions set for the next session on October 3. The assembly’s focus on tackling both terrorism and the consequences of the rains underscores the significant challenges facing Balochistan and the necessity for coordinated government action.