The members of Balochistan Assembly have called for formation of a committee comprising representatives from all mainstream political parties to discuss the issue of new provinces and their demarcation. The Balochistan Assembly met here on Thursday with Mir Abdul Rehman Jamali in the chair.
Speaking on a point of order, Balochistan Health Minister Aainullah Shams said that at a time when voices were being raised for the formation of Seraiki province, they (he and his party JUI-F) were in favour of creation of new provinces. He said that the people of the former princely state of Bhawalpur had been demanding restoration of their province through an executive order.
PML-Q’s Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhail warned that if the Saraiki province became a reality, there would emerge calls for more provinces in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said Sindh might suffer the most if the debate on new provinces continued. He said that if it was merely the grievances of Saraiki people they could be addressed by ensuring development in the region. Aainullah Shams suggested formation of a committee comprising representatives from all mainstream political parties on the burning issue.
The chair also endorsed his proposal. PMLN’s Captain (r) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai said his party supported new provinces but not on linguistic or ethnic basis. The lawmakers expressed their anger over unending power shortage and deteriorating law and order situation in the province. They called for convening an all parties’ conference to discuss the issues.
Meanwhile, the House approved The Prisons (Balochistan) Amendment) Bill, No 7 2011” and The Prisoners (Balochistan) Amendment Bill 2011, Bill No. 8 of 2011. Balochistan Minister for Jails Sultan Muhammad Tareen tabled both bills. The chair adjourned the house till tomorrow.