QUETTA: In a powerful display of unity, the Balochistan Assembly unanimously passed a joint resolution on Friday, demanding an immediate end to the prolonged and crippling gas and electricity load shedding plaguing the province.
The resolution, presented by JUI member Asghar Ali Tareen during a session chaired by Speaker Captain (Retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, highlighted the severe public suffering. Tareen stated that gas cuts during harsh winters and electricity outages in extreme summers have made life “unbearable” for residents across all districts.
He lamented that despite repeated assurances from the heads of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) during assembly briefings, no substantial measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply. The resolution calls on the provincial government to urgently take up the matter with the federal government to terminate the utility cuts.
Ecoing the sentiment, Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani acknowledged the worsening crisis and suggested forming a dedicated committee to address the issue seriously. PML-N member Zarak Khan Mandokhail revealed that even directives from the Governor and Chief Minister had failed to compel SSGC officials to improve the situation, accusing the company of being more focused on bill recovery than service provision.
Multiple members, including Sanjay Kumar and Mir Asim Kurd Gello, provided stark examples of the crisis, noting gas cuts as early as 8 PM and the resulting environmental damage as people are forced to cut forests for firewood. Following the extensive debate, Speaker Achakzai approved the resolution as a joint resolution of the entire House, signaling a collective demand for action.
Meanwhile in in a landmark move for public health, the Balochistan Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Friday, demanding a strict province-wide ban on industrially produced trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in food items.
The resolution, presented during a session chaired by Speaker Captain (Retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, was jointly tabled by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Golla and members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, including Shahida Rauf, Farah Azeem Shah, Salma Bibi, and Umm Kulsoom.
