Copyright thedailycpec
The Balochistan Assembly has urged the federal government to include the province’s key development projects in CPEC Phase-II, emphasizing that the region deserves an equitable share in national growth. During Friday’s session, chaired by Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, lawmakers adopted two resolutions, one demanding inclusion in CPEC Phase-II and another approving the upgradation of Margha Kabzai to sub-division status. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, who moved the CPEC resolution, criticized the federal government for overlooking Balochistan in ongoing CPEC projects despite the province’s strategic importance. “Billions have been spent under CPEC, yet our people see no tangible benefits,” he remarked, adding that Balochistan seeks its rightful share, not charity. BNP-Awami MPA Mir Asadullah Baloch backed the call, saying that proper implementation of CPEC could have addressed several of the province’s socio-economic and security challenges. In a separate resolution, JUI-F’s Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Kabzai demanded that Margha Kabzai, a remote area with around 110,000 residents, be granted tehsil status to improve administrative services and access to basic facilities. The motion was unanimously approved. The assembly also discussed the salary disparity of Balochistan Police, with Maulana Hidayatur Rehman highlighting that despite their sacrifices, police personnel earn far less than their counterparts in other provinces. Provincial Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani acknowledged the issue and assured that efforts would be made to bring parity. Meanwhile, National Party MPA Kulsoom Niaz Baloch suggested a review of lawmakers’ pay and perks. Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti supported the idea and proposed forming a committee to assess the matter, which the Speaker approved for Finance Committee review. The session also touched upon recent security concerns, as JUI-F’s Shahida Rauf raised the issue of multiple labourer abductions in Khuzdar, prompting calls for stronger security measures across the province. The assembly’s proceedings reflected growing calls for fair representation, resource allocation, and development in Balochistan as part of national initiatives like CPEC.
