Quetta : Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has announced that the government and opposition have successfully concluded negotiations regarding the Mines and Minerals Act, and a consensus has been reached to reintroduce the act in the Provincial Assembly.
Addressing a joint press conference following the Assembly session, the Chief Minister emphasized that this development reflects the government’s commitment to democratic traditions and prioritizing the public interest.
Implementation of the Act Suspended via Executive Order
CM Bugti revealed that the implementation of the Mines and Minerals Act has been halted with immediate effect through an executive order. He further stated that the act will now be brought back to the Assembly in the form of a resolution, allowing space for inclusive debate and amendment.
Joint Committee to Be Formed for Amendments
The Chief Minister announced the formation of a joint committee comprising members from both the government and the opposition. This committee will be responsible for reviewing the proposed amendments and ensuring that all decisions are made through mutual consensus.
He reiterated that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Mines and Minerals Act had already been legislated, and only amendments can now be made. “We are fully prepared to sit with all political parties to ensure any legislation related to public rights is transparent, democratic, and inclusive,” he added.
Mineral Resources Are Balochistan’s Precious Asset
Highlighting the importance of the province’s natural resources, the Chief Minister said that Balochistan’s mineral wealth is a valuable provincial asset. He stressed the need for collective political will to ensure these resources are utilized effectively for the economic uplift of the province and to ensure that their benefits reach the common people.
Key Political Figures Present
The press conference was attended by Leader of the Opposition Mir Younus Aziz Zehri, MPAs Khair Jan Baloch, Asghar Tareen, Mir Jahanzaib Mengal, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Zamrak Khan Achakzai, and provincial ministers Mir Mohammad Sadiq Umrani, Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Bakht Mohammad Kakar, Meena Majeed Baloch, Mir Barkat Rind, and Haji Ali Madad Jattak.
