Quetta:
The Balochistan Provincial Assembly on Thursday approved the Balochistan Provincial Assembly (Special Privileges Amendment) Bill 2025, a piece of legislation aimed at significantly enhancing the protection and security cover provided to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Ministers, Opposition Leader, and all Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs).
The bill was presented by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Mohammad Kakar and passed with a majority vote. Lawmakers termed the legislation “necessary for safeguarding the democratic process” and ensuring that public representatives can execute their constitutional duties without fear of intimidation or security threats.
Key Security Provisions:
Two Resolutions Adopted
The House also adopted two key resolutions addressing regional development and education reform.
1. Upgrading Gwadar and Dera Murad Jamali:
- The first resolution, moved by Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, demanded that the Gwadar Municipal Committee be upgraded to the status of a Municipal Corporation. He argued that Gwadar, as a crucial port city and the country’s future economic hub, warranted this status.
- Provincial Irrigation Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani proposed a successful amendment, suggesting that Dera Murad Jamali should also be elevated to a Municipal Corporation. The resolution was adopted with the incorporation of this amendment.
2. Call for Uniform and Quality Education System:
- The second resolution, introduced by JUI-F’s Syed Zafar Ali Agha, called for a sweeping reform of the provincial education sector.
- It demanded the implementation of a uniform education system across Balochistan with updated and relevant curricula.
- The resolution recommended free education at least up to matriculation, coupled with strict monitoring of examinations, the eradication of cheating and favoritism, and the establishment of a comprehensive teacher training programme.
