QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai announced on Wednesday that lawmakers from both the opposition and treasury benches will receive an in-camera briefing today (Thursday) on the province’s worsening law and order situation. The decision came after multiple members voiced alarm over escalating security concerns during the assembly session.
The session began late, with Jamaat-i-Islami Balochistan Emir Maulana Hidayatur Rehman highlighting the deteriorating situation, pointing out internet shutdowns, suspension of transport services, and closure of highways. He added that QESCO and the NHA had also been directed to halt their operations, further heightening public hardship.
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Several lawmakers echoed these concerns, urging the government to share a clear security assessment. During the proceedings, members also raised issues of severe shortages of electricity and gas. BAP MPA Agha Umar Ahmedzai staged a walkout, alleging discrimination in power and gas supply to Sariab. PPP’s Ali Madad Jattak said residents of Sariab and Quetta were suffering without gas.
On the legislative side, the assembly passed the Balochistan Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships Bill, while two other bills — the Balochistan Judicial Academy (Amendment) Bill and the draft Balochistan Anti-Beggary Bill — were forwarded to standing committees. The House also approved Public Accounts Committee recommendations regarding the audit report of the Balochistan Textbook Board.
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In response to civic complaints about road excavation and traffic congestion, Speaker Achakzai summoned the Quetta Commissioner for a briefing. Several questions relating to the Quetta Development Authority and the Labour & Manpower Department were deferred due to the absence of their respective provincial ministers.