On Monday, opposition parties with representation in the Balochistan Assembly met to discuss the Mines and Minerals Act, 2025. After a detailed review and considering the opinions of all parties, the act was formally rejected.
The Balochistan Assembly had previously approved the act after it was moved in the house based on the recommendations of the standing committee. The meeting was presided over by Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, the Leader of the Opposition in the Balochistan Assembly. Leaders from opposition parties, civil society members, and representatives of the mine owners’ association also attended.
Participants reaffirmed that the opposition parties are the protectors of public interests and will oppose any measure that undermines them. They argue that the act is against provincial autonomy and ownership rights guaranteed under the 18th Amendment, and they are demanding its withdrawal.
A new parliamentary committee was formed, led by Mr. Zehri and including ANP leader Zamarak Khan Achakzai, National Party leader Rehmat Saleh Baloch, JI leader Maulana Hidayat-Ur-Rehman, and BNP’s Mir Jahanzeb Mengal. The purpose of this committee is to present the opposition parties’ joint demands to the chief minister.
