Syed Ali Shah:
The Balochistan Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution demanding an increase in the number of provincial and national assembly seats allocated to the province, citing its vast geographical size, strategic importance, and longstanding political underrepresentation.
The resolution was tabled by Asghar Ali Tareen, a member of the Balochistan Assembly from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F). While speaking on the feasibility of the proposal, he said that Balochistan covers nearly half of Pakistan’s total land area and holds a strategically vital position, yet its people remain underrepresented in key legislative forums.
“Fair representation is the foundation of democracy. Balochistan has contributed immensely to the federation, but its voice in the assemblies does not reflect its size, population spread, and strategic role,” Tareen told the House.
Under the resolution, the number of seats in the Balochistan Provincial Assembly is proposed to be increased from 65 to 85, while Balochistan’s seats in the National Assembly should be enhanced from 16 to 40. Lawmakers argued that the increase would ensure equal political participation and strengthen the federal structure.
Members from both treasury and opposition benches strongly endorsed the resolution. Parliamentary Leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party in the Balochistan Assembly Mohammad Sadiq Umrani said the demand was “constitutional, democratic, and long overdue.”
“Without equitable representation, the people of Balochistan cannot effectively raise their concerns at the national level,” he said.
Senior assembly member Mir Zahoor Buledi stated that enhanced representation would help address political deprivation and promote national cohesion. Meanwhile, Maulana Hidayat Rahman, also a member of the assembly, said that political empowerment was essential for peace, stability, and development in the province.
Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly Captain Abdul Khaliq Achakzai later put the resolution to a vote, after which it was passed unanimously by the House.
