QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an increase in the province’s seats in National Assembly. The resolution urges the federal government to boost Balochistan’s representation to ensure the province’s population has a stronger voice at the national level.
The measure received support from multiple political parties. Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Muhammad Sadiq Umrani described it as a constitutional and long-standing demand of the people of Balochistan.
The resolution highlights that Balochistan is the largest province by area but has limited seats in the National Assembly. Lawmakers said this restricts the province’s ability to present its issues effectively at the federal level.
Officials said increasing seats would strengthen Balochistan’s political voice and enhance the province’s role in national policymaking.
Political analysts say more seats could improve representation, but they caution that it will not automatically solve the province’s core problems. Balochistan faces challenges including underdevelopment, lack of basic services, unemployment, weak infrastructure, and security concerns. Addressing these issues requires not only representation but also effective policy implementation, fair resource allocation, and good governance.
If the number of seats increases, Balochistan could send more lawmakers to the National Assembly. This would allow the province to raise its concerns more effectively during budget debates, development planning, and lawmaking. It could also improve the chances of securing federal development funds and projects.
Experts note that Balochistan has historically had representation in the National Assembly and Senate, but the province has still lagged behind others in development. Weak policy execution, administrative inefficiencies, and ineffective use of resources are key factors.
They stress that increased representation will only be effective if elected lawmakers actively advocate for the province’s issues at the national level. Without improved governance and policy enforcement, greater representation alone will not yield significant benefits.
Given Balochistan’s large area and underdeveloped regions, experts agree that expanding National Assembly seats is a positive step. It could reduce the gap between the public and their representatives and help address local issues more effectively.
The move may also help reduce long-standing feelings of marginalization in the province, giving citizens a sense that their voices matter. Analysts say increased representation can contribute to political stability and greater trust in the federal government, provided it is coupled with good governance, fair resource distribution, and active political leadership.
While it is not a complete solution, the expansion of seats in the National Assembly is seen as an important and constructive measure for Balochistan’s political empowerment and development.
