QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a joint resolution urging the federal government to end prolonged gas and electricity loadshedding that has made life unbearable across the province. The motion, moved by JUI-F lawmaker Asghar Ali Tareen and supported by both treasury and opposition benches, highlighted the severe hardships caused by gas cuts in winter and electricity outages during scorching summers.
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Tareen said that despite repeated assurances from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco) during earlier briefings, no meaningful steps had been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply. He criticised the companies for citing outstanding dues as an excuse while depriving citizens of essential services. The resolution called on the provincial government to take up the matter with the Centre immediately.
Speaker Captain (Retired) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai informed the House that Qesco officials had told him the provincial government had pledged Rs2 billion in payments, while the federal government had committed Rs4bn. Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani warned that the crisis was worsening and proposed forming a committee to pursue the matter seriously with relevant authorities.
Lawmakers from the PML-N, JUI-F, PPP and minority representatives backed the resolution, demanding swift action to address the worsening energy shortages. They stressed that continued outages were unacceptable in a province already struggling with infrastructure challenges and harsh weather conditions.
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In a separate development, the assembly also approved a resolution to upgrade Killi Alizai in Pishin district to the status of a sub-tehsil. JUI-F’s Syed Zafar Ali Agha, who moved the resolution, said the area’s population of nearly 60,000 warranted improved administrative status to ensure timely delivery of civic services.