Balochistan MPAs unite against terror

QUETTA:

The treasury and opposition benches are often at loggerheads in the Balochistan Assembly, but even they put their differences aside to unite against the scourge of terrorism by unanimously passing a resolution condemning the synchronised attacks that occurred on August 26 across the province.

This resolution was the result of merging two separate resolutions that were initially submitted by members of both benches.

Balochistan Agriculture Minister Ali Madad Jattak and Opposition Leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri each presented their own resolutions condemning the attacks. To present a united front, the assembly decided to combine these resolutions into a single one that reflected the collective voice of the house.

In a rare display of unity, members from both sides strongly condemned the terrorist incidents, expressing their solidarity with the victims' families and support for the security forces who continue to combat terrorism in the province.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, concluding the debate, called for decisive measures against those responsible for the attacks. He emphasised that the blood of innocent people had been shed and reiterated his stance that there was no room for negotiations with individuals involved in such heinous acts.

Bugti reiterated that any dialogue must be within the constitutional framework of Pakistan, expressing the government's willingness to seek peaceful solutions, but not under the threat of violence. He also spoke at length about the governance challenges in Balochistan and stressed the need for systemic reforms to effectively address these issues.

Opposition leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri, Raheela Durrani, Education Minister Ali Madad Jattak, and other members expressed their strong condemnation of the attacks. They reaffirmed their support for the security forces and highlighted the importance of a united stance in the fight against terrorism.

The assembly's resolution, and the passionate speeches delivered by its members, underscored the resolve of Balochistan's political leadership to stand firm against terrorism and work towards a peaceful future for the province.

The session started 20 minutes late and was presented with Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola in the chair.

Balochistan Minister for Agriculture Ali Madad Jatak introduced the resolution which strongly condemned the August 26 attacks, calling for decisive action against those attempting to spread chaos in Balochistan.

"The entire nation mourns the cowardly acts of terrorism," Jatak said, expressing solidarity with the victims' families. He also highlighted the manipulation of young minds by malicious elements, referencing the tragic case of Mahil Baloch, who recently took her own life in Bela, leaving her father in disbelief.

The resolution received support from both the government and opposition members. Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri endorsed the resolution, and the deputy speaker merged it with a similar resolution from the opposition, making it a joint resolution.

The assembly approved the resolution for a one-day debate in the next session.

During the five-hour meeting, discussions also focused on the impact of the recent heavy rains in Balochistan. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam member Zabit Reki criticised the government's selective declaration of certain districts as disaster-prone, while other severely affected areas, including his constituency, were overlooked.

Several members, such as Zamrik Achakzai, Ghulam Dastgir Badini, Zafar Agha, and Dr Nawaz Kabzai, echoed these concerns, urging the government to address the situation based on merit and extend relief efforts to all affected regions.

A brief walkout occurred when opposition members protested the deputy speaker's order to shorten the debate, but they later returned to the assembly floor on the government's invitation.