Escalating lawlessness and the dismal condition of the health and education sectors in the province dominated discussions in the Balochistan Assembly on Monday.
A resolution, tabled by Minister for Gwadar Development Authority Zahoor Buleidai, was unanimously adopted by the Balochistan Assembly to condemn the assassination attempt on provincial Finance Minister Mir Asim Kurd.
Kurd’s convoy was ambushed late Sunday night near the Dasht area of Quetta by a group of assailants. The minister managed to escape unhurt.
Supporting the resolution, lawmakers expressed strong resentment over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.
“In a province where the governor, chief minister and ministers are being attacked, how can a civilian feel secure? We, the legislators, should take this issue seriously and take concrete steps to prevent such attacks in the future.”
They also pointed out that since the high officials in law enforcement agencies and administration are being appointed on a political basis such incidents have become the order of the day.
While expressing serious reservations over the deteriorating conditions of education and health care in the province, lawmakers stated that because of their lack of interest, the situation has gone from bad to worse. “There is no teacher available in private schools and students are mostly forced to participate in political rallies and gatherings in remote areas.”
Senior Minister Maulana Wasey said he had visited several schools and despite a huge allocation of funds there was a dearth of facilities for students.
Most legislators also voiced concern over the long load-shedding hours and urged for a comprehensive strategy to curb the menace.
The lawmakers urged the government to pay the outstanding dues of Quetta Electric Supply Corporation (Qesco) which are stated to be Rs1.15 billion before it stops supplying electricity to 12 cities of the province.
Members also took note of the deteriorating health care in interior Balochistan as doctors are reluctant to perform their duties in remote areas and prefer to stay in the cities.
Legislation
The House passed the Balochistan Local Government (Amendment) Act 2011. The bill was tabled by Minister for Fisheries Amal Kalmati on behalf of Minister for Revenue Zamaruk Khan who was not present in the house.
According to the bill, local council elections will be conducted in 2012 instead of 2011.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 17th, 2011.
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