QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly session commenced 44 minutes late on Friday, chaired by Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, and quickly delved into critical issues of law, order, and cybercrime.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, responding to opposition queries, disclosed a disturbing new modus operandi used in bank robberies in Panjgur. He stated that armed individuals conceal weapons under chadors (shawls), enter banks posing as customers, execute heists within 30 minutes, and escape. The CM assured the house that action against these robbers would be taken soon.
The session began on a somber note as CM Bugti offered Fateha for renowned journalist and his friend, the late Raja Matlub, praying for his soul and patience for the bereaved family.
A significant portion of the proceedings focused on combating online defamation. Speaker Achakzai informed the assembly that the Cyber Crime Department had been summoned regarding a negative propaganda campaign orchestrated in the name of the “Balochistan League.” He asserted that legal action was underway and that the assembly “will not bow down to character assassination and blackmail.” Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri strongly endorsed taking action against the group and its affiliated social media platforms.
The session was not without technical difficulties. The loudspeaker and microphone system failed, prompting CM Bugti to remark that all equipment in the hall had become obsolete. He announced that the next meeting would be shifted to a new assembly hall.
Following these discussions, the session was adjourned till December 22 on the chief minister’s request, concluding a meeting that highlighted the province’s challenges spanning from physical security and cyber threats to aging legislative infrastructure.
