Quetta: Bal Luzhi Provincial Parliament passed a resolution on Monday calling on provincial government to review Mining and Mineral Lawspassed by the house two months ago.
The resolution was passed after unification between the Treasury Department and opposition benches, and lawmakers expressed concern about several provisions of the bill.
However, the chief minister said in a statement that the government has accepted the request to suspend the bill.
The joint resolution is moved by MPA Asghar Ali Tareen.
The resolution urges the provincial government to reevaluate mining and minerals based on the “dissent and concerns” expressed by members of different political parties.
Asghar Tareen, promoter, recalled that although this was the first time the provincial council had passed its own mine and mineral laws, its provisions proposed reservations.
“By restoring behavior, the government can disambiguate and ensure wider acceptance,” Tarn said.
Abdul Malik Baloch, chairman of the Kuomintang, stressed that the Bajiroshima government has always enjoyed control over mines and minerals, saying that “this must be maintained.”
He said the project had been placed under previous law to “undermine provincial authorities.”
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government would put opposition lawmakers in confidence when the Mining and Minerals Act was introduced and then forward the matter to the committee for review.
The Chief Minister noted: “Misunderstanding or explanation is possible, but unfortunately, there are elements that try to politicize the matter.”
He said the administration opposes the invitation of opposition parties, including parties not represented in the House of Representatives, to raise their views and efforts to reach consensus.
“If the opposition opposes certain clauses, we are ready to improve them. If they think our arguments are convincing, it will be a victory for the democratic process.”
New District
The House adopted another joint resolution proposed by PPP MPA Majeed Baloch, calling on the provincial government to split the Kech district and develop a new one including Tump Sub-Division and Mand Tehsil, as Kech District’s headquarters is far away from two.
Meanwhile, Shahida Rauf criticized the provincial government for passing the legislature to promote the draft bill rather than referring it to the Standing Committee. She raised objections after Mir Zahoor Buledi proposed a draft bill for Prince Fahd Hospital.
The Chief Minister accepted her objection and reiterated that all draft bills must be forwarded to the Standing Committee.
The Chairman then forwarded the bill to the relevant committees.
Posted at Dawn on September 30, 2025
