PISHIN: Haji Asghar Khan Tareen, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly, has affirmed that the Mines and Minerals Act is a major issue for the people of Balochistan, signaling that a legislative overhaul is underway to address provincial concerns .
During a visit to the Pishin Press Club, Tareen revealed that he has specific objections to three or four clauses of the act passed by the Balochistan Assembly. He noted that negotiations have already been held with the government, involving representations from the federal government, and that political parties and local mine owners were consulted in the process.
In a significant political development, an important consultative meeting of all nationalist and religious parties in the province, chaired by Opposition Leader Younis Aziz Zehri, concluded with a decision to amend the act. Tareen expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Balochistan for bringing the bill back to the forefront for reconsideration.
While commenting on the political process, Tareen stated that the opposition always desires change, but noted that the circumstances remain unclear due to differing statements from government leaders. He emphasized that the people of every district in the province have a right to their government and that policies should be crafted with public problems in mind.
Shifting focus to other civic issues, Tareen addressed the persistent problem of electricity load shedding and complete shutdowns. He provided context on a recent agreement between the government and landowners to convert water supply schemes from electricity to solar systems, a move that followed the end of federal electricity subsidies to the provincial government.
During his talk with journalists, Tareen praised journalism as an important and sacred profession that highlights social issues. He stressed that the constitution guarantees press freedom and stated his belief in this principle. In a strong condemnation, he denounced the recent police attack on the National Press Club in Islamabad, a sentiment aligned with his party leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who also visited the press club to express solidarity with journalists .
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The event concluded with Chairman PAC Tareen being presented a commemorative shield by President Pishin Press Club Asmatullah Hanfi. After being informed of the problems faced by the local press club and journalists, Tareen assured them of his support. He announced the construction of a new building for the Pishin Press Club and immediately provided fifty thousand rupees to the club’s president.
