Quetta: The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has demanded an increase in the province’s National and Provincial Assembly seats through the upcoming 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it crucial for addressing underrepresentation and regional development.
In an official statement, the party’s central spokesperson argued that Balochistan’s vast geographical size and developmental challenges necessitate greater legislative representation. “Increasing the seats of the provincial assembly will go a long way in overcoming the problems of unemployment and peace and order,” the spokesperson stated.
The party reminded its coalition partners, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), of an unfulfilled promise. According to BAP, allies had assured during the 26th Constitutional Amendment that the issue of seat allocation would be resolved in the next round of constitutional reforms. The spokesperson noted that former Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani had consistently advocated for this cause at every forum.
Highlighting the practical difficulties, the statement pointed out that a single constituency in Balochistan currently serves a population of 350,000 to 400,000 people, making it challenging for elected representatives to effectively address public problems. The BAP has formally requested the PML-N leadership to incorporate this change in the 27th Amendment, framing it as the fulfillment of a “long-standing demand” vital for reducing a “feeling of deprivation” in the province.
Meanwhile the National Party NP has announced it will actively contest the upcoming local government elections in Quetta’s Zarghun Town, with party leaders launching a sharp critique against what they termed “political traders” who have failed the city.
A large party meeting was held in Mariabad under the chairmanship of Provincial President Aslam Baloch, attended by senior leaders including Chengiz Hai Baloch and Yasmin Lehri. Dr. Ramzan Hazara confirmed the party’s full participation in the local polls from Mariabad and Hazara Town.
In a fiery address, Chairman Aslam Baloch accused the current provincial representatives of corruption and mismanagement, claiming that “real political representation” was traded through ‘Form 47’. He questioned how Quetta had “turned into ruins” despite electing 13 MPAs and 3 MNAs, including senators, and receiving substantial development funds
