Latest news with #BalochistanAssembly
Business Recorder
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Balochistan PA condemns Degari honour killings
QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly Tuesday passed a unanimous condemnation resolution against the brutal double honour killing of a man and a woman in the Sinjadi Degari area of Quetta, calling the act inhumane, illegal, and a violation of both Islamic teachings and constitutional rights. The session, chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, began 45 minutes late and opened with Fatiha for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks and fallen security personnel in the province. The joint resolution, presented by MPA Ghazala Gola and supported by other members, condemned the killing of unarmed individuals in the name of honor and stated that no person has the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner. 'Justice is the sole responsibility of the state,' read the text, urging the government to ensure the accused receive exemplary punishment. Women lawmakers, including Shahida Rauf, Mena Majeed, and Farah Azeem Shah, delivered powerful speeches condemning the Degari incident, describing it as a societal failure and a throwback to 'centuries of backwardness.' Mena Majeed said, 'Women around the world are reaching the moon, while women in Balochistan are being murdered in the name of honor.' Rauf demanded strict action and legislative reforms, calling for the formation of a joint government-opposition committee to oversee the investigation. She also questioned the role of traditional jirgas, suggesting they be redirected toward positive societal contributions rather than reinforcing outdated customs. Farah Azeem Shah criticised the double standards in the justice system, emphasising that 'honor does not mean taking a woman's life, but protecting her dignity.' Religious leader Hidayat-ur-Rehman, while condemning the killings, warned against adopting what he described as a "Western mindset" and stressed the need for balance, saying, 'No one has the right to kill in the name of honor, but no one should be allowed to violate our cultural and religious values either.' The House acknowledged that while laws against honor killings exist, implementation remains weak and societal mindset change is necessary. The resolution reaffirmed that such crimes have no link to religion, tradition, or morality and urged urgent action. The session was adjourned until 3:00 PM on July 25, 2025.
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Balochistan PA approves Rs896.474b for FY25-26
Balochistan Assembly approved Rs896.474 billion for the budget of financial year 2025-26. A total of 94 demands were presented, including 53 for non-developmental expenses and 41 for progress expenses. Speaker (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai presided over the session of Balochistan Assembly here on Wednesday. The House rejected 9 out of 10 motions for cuts presented by the opposition, while one motion was withdrawn. The Leader of the Opposition, Younis Aziz Zehri demanded the government that arrested employees would be released and the provincial regime could negotiate them for addressing their issue on permanent basis. The session also approved the Balochistan Finance Bill 2025 which was first presented by Zamrak Khan Achakzai and then by Finance Minister Shuaib Noshirwani. The annual statements of approved expenses for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26 were also presented in the House. Meanwhile, Balochistan Minister for Finance and Minerals Mir Shoaib Nosherwani has expressed his deep gratitude to Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial cabinet, and all members of the Balochistan Assembly for the unanimous approval of the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. Speaking after the budget's passage here Wednesday, Minister Nosherwani described it as a significant milestone in the province's journey towards sustainable development and public welfare.
Express Tribune
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
College excluded from PSDP
Leader of the Opposition in Balochistan Assembly Mir Younas Aziz Zehri Leader of the Opposition in Balochistan Assembly Mir Younas Aziz Zehri staged a walkout from the house in a protest over exclusion of Jhalawan Medical College from Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). In an address before leaving the session, Mir Younas berated the provincial government for neglecting a project of educational importance. "Despite consistently raising this issue, no corrective measures have been taken. The project director remains in-charge, even though he is clearly unqualified," alleged Zehri, citing mismanagement and inefficiency in the college's administration. Former Chief Minister and National Party leader Dr Malik Baloch echoed these concerns, warning that continued funding lapses and administrative failings could draw the attention of the Pakistan Medical Council (PMC). "If PMC takes notice, the college's accreditation could be at risk — threatening the future of hundreds of medical students," he cautioned. In response, Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti assured to review the decision.
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Balochistan saves Rs16b via austerity measures
Balochistan Minister for Finance and Minerals Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said the provincial government has saved Rs16 billion by reducing non-essential expenditures, including refraining from the purchase of new vehicles under its austerity policy. He made these remarks while speaking to the media following the presentation of the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the Balochistan Assembly. He said the government is committed to adopting austerity measures by reducing non-developmental expenditures. He said in a move to address the longstanding concerns of government employees, the chief minister has formed a special committee led by Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar. The committee will review employee-related matters and formulate comprehensive recommendations. He said, "The committee will begin its work soon and offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by public sector employees." Minister Noserwani also praised the parliamentary decorum maintained in the Balochistan Assembly, highlighting the constructive role of both government and opposition members. "Balochistan Assembly has a proud tradition of respectful debate, and all members uphold the dignity of this house," he noted. In education, the minister announced several key developments including reopening of 3,200 closed schools across the province, addressing a major gap in basic education infrastructure. APP
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Balochistan unveils record-largest Rs 1,028 billion budget
Listen to article The Balochistan government has presented its first-ever surplus budget worth Rs 1,028 billion, marking a historic milestone for the province. The budget, presented by Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shuaib Noshirovani, was announced during a session of the Balochistan Assembly chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. In his budget speech, Minister Noshirovani stated that the provincial government had successfully spent the entire development budget for the current fiscal year. He highlighted the achievements across various sectors during the fiscal period, emphasising that the government's focus on development had yielded positive results. The finance minister further noted that the proposed budget includes a surplus of Rs 42 billion. This marks a significant achievement as Balochistan has never before presented a budget exceeding one trillion rupees. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti had announced earlier this month that the upcoming provincial budget would prioritise the health and education sectors, with no space for politically motivated development projects. He highlighted that the focus would be on sustainable development and addressing the genuine needs of the people of Balochistan. Bugti assured that the final budget draft would incorporate recommendations from the parliamentary committee to ensure inclusivity and relevance. He also underscored the government's commitment to transparency, particularly in the allocation of development funds. 'Every area and every citizen of Balochistan will be treated equally,' he had said, ensuring that political considerations would not influence the allocation of funds. Meanwhile, provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind later reiterated that the budget, would focus on promoting economic and social progress in underprivileged areas.
