BAP divided over powers

Cracks appeared within the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) because of a legislation pertaining to taking the governor’s power away regarding universities in the province.

The Higher Education Department had proposed legislation regarding an end to the powers of the chancellor and governor regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors.

Naseebullah Marri, the Balochistan Education Minister tabled the Balochistan universities amendment act, which was adopted by the house amid protest of some members.

“Governors should not be made powerless in this regard”, Mitha Khan Kakar, a lawmaker from the ruling BAP demanded.

Balochistan Education Minister, Naseebullah Marri was about to table the legislation when Kakar objected to it.

Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo urged the members to adopt the legislation. However, Malik Sikandar Advocate, the opposition leader in Balochistan Assembly suggested the speaker to refer the legislation to the standing committee for a thorough consultation.

Subsequently, the House passed the legislation with majority votes.

Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran of the ruling BAP said it was not written in the Constitution that a “Pashtoon” has to be the Governor of Balochistan.

“We all belong to one province and we all are one”, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2022.