Lawmakers in Balochistan demand steps to preserve local languages

House passes four unanimous resolutions on price hike, unemployment

QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly session chaired by Speaker Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Friday approved four resolutions tabled by opposition members and concluded two call-attention notices after thorough debate.

Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) MPAs Akbar Mengal, Sanaullah Baloch and Akhtar Hussain Langove tabled separate resolutions seeking government’s attention on law and order, inflation and unemployment in the province, alleging that the provincial government is neglecting public woes.

Debating on the resolution, Baloch said the people of Balochistan are deprived of basic facilities and lack of job opportunities are adding to the miseries of the masses.

“Political parties in the province are struggling for provincial rights but absence of effective policies and the federal government’s lack of interest [in resolving issues] has doubled the sense of deprivation in Balochistan,” he said, adding that the youth are turning to drugs due to lack of job opportunities.

Jamiat UIema-e-Islam Fazl’s Zahid Reki, while tabling a separate resolution regarding increasing number of accidents on provincial highways, said hundreds of people have lost their lives due to poor condition of roads in Balochistan. He urged the house to approve a resolution for upgrading highways.

He called on Balochistan chief minister to take immediate notice of fatal accidents and also urged the federal government to support the province in this regard.

Replying to Reki, Balochistan Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langove said the incumbent government is spending a large amount of funds on infrastructure development.

“The government has discussed the matter with the Centre and a feasibility report of the project is also being prepared,” Langove said.

After a comprehensive debate on separate resolutions, the house unanimously approved the four resolutions. The speaker congratulated the house on observing International Mother Language Day and reiterated pledge to celebrate the occasion with zeal.

He directed secretary assembly to hire translators to transcribe speeches of honourable members willing to speak in their native languages.

Speaking in Balochi language, Sanaullah Baloch lamented over the government’s lack of interest in preserving Balochistan’s Balochi, Brahui, Pashto and Hazaragi languages.

“In 21st century when the world is pursuing digilisation, we will promote our local languages and ensure provision of education in government schools in our mother tongue,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2020.