Author: none@none.com (Saleem Shahid)
Heavy pre-monsoon rains wreak havoc in Balochistan, claiming eight lives and injuring over two dozen people while damaging 300 mud houses. The downpours also triggered a massive landslide between Danasar and Dera Ismail Khan, suspending traffic on the Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway. Areas like Zhob, Sherani, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Musakhail, and Loralai were heavily affected by the relentless rains, leading to the blocking of the National Highway connecting Quetta with Islamabad. The closure left hundreds of vehicles stranded, prompting the district administration to provide essential supplies to the affected individuals. Rescue teams from the National Highway Authority joined forces to…
Opposition Alliance in Balochistan Holds First Meeting A six-party opposition alliance in Balochistan recently convened for their first formal meeting, discussing the current post-election scenario. Led by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the alliance emphasized the importance of constitutional supremacy and voiced concerns about the dominance of a specific class leading to instability in the country. Key figures such as National Party President Dr Malik Baloch and Awami National Party leader Asghar Achakzai were present at the meeting. Maulana Fazl highlighted the need for like-minded individuals to come together, stressing the importance of mutual trust. While the alliance aims to…
Balochistan Set to Present People-Friendly Budget for FY 2024-25 Exciting news from Balochistan as the province gears up to unveil a surplus and “people-friendly” budget on June 22 for the fiscal year 2024-25. With a budget layout exceeding Rs850 billion, a significant focus will be on allocating funds to the education and health sectors. The Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani highlighted key aspects of the upcoming budget, including salary increases for employees, a new scholarship program for PhD students, and free education up to grade 16 for children of martyrs. The budget also…
Balochistan Finance Minister to Present Rs800 Billion Budget for FY 2024-25 On June 22, Balochistan Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Ahmed Nosherwani will present a budget exceeding Rs800 billion for the financial year 2024-25 in the provincial assembly. This budget includes a share of Rs667.5 billion under the NFC Award from the federal government, and an additional Rs20.55 billion from oil and gas royalties. Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, along with Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Provincial Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, discussed the budget with coalition partners and opposition members to ensure consensus on key priorities. The government aims…
Violent protests in the border town of Chaman have led to the suspension of train services to Quetta. The clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in injuries to 20 people, including eight security personnel. Security forces have arrested 45 individuals for damaging public and private properties during the demonstrations. Protesters have been demonstrating against the government’s decision to regulate border movement by requiring valid passports and visas. Business centers and government offices have been closed, and banks have relocated their staff to ensure operations continue. Despite efforts to negotiate with tribal elders, the protests have continued, with leaders…
Summary: A violent protest in Chaman resulted in 40 people, including 17 security officials, being injured. The unrest was triggered by the arrest of protest leaders during a sit-in against new border crossing regulations. Clashes spread throughout the town, disrupting traffic and prompting security forces to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters. Dozens were arrested for attacking government buildings. However, negotiations led by local leaders helped calm the situation temporarily. Meanwhile, the Balochistan government is considering opening the Badini border crossing for trade with Afghanistan, given the ongoing uncertainty in Chaman. Key Points: Rallies held in…
In a recent turn of events in Quetta, a sit-in protest on the Quetta-Chaman Highway took an aggressive turn as protesters, angered by the removal of their camps, ransacked the deputy commissioner’s office resulting in seven arrests. The protest caused a disruption in trade and traffic between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to chaos and unrest in the area. Despite efforts to reopen the highway and allow stranded vehicles to pass through, the situation escalated as protesters blocked the road again, pelting stones at security personnel. The use of tear gas was employed to disperse the crowd, but tensions continued to…
The Balochistan Assembly strongly condemned the violent incidents of May 9, calling for the banning and declaration of the attacking party as a terrorist outfit. Led by provincial minister Sadiq Umrani, the assembly members highlighted the orchestrated attempt to disrupt the nation’s peace, surpassing the efforts of external enemies in 75 years. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti emphasized that the May 9 violence was a deliberate effort to incite the public against the state and its institutions. He stressed the need for legal action against the perpetrators and urged for solidarity with the Pakistan Army. PPP’s Ali Madad Jattak demanded strict…
Former PM denies blaming provinces for wheat import scandal In a recent press conference, former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar refuted claims that he blamed provincial governments for the excessive import of wheat. He clarified that the decision to import wheat was based on data from the Food Security Department and was done in adherence to regulations. Mr. Kakar emphasized the need for discussions to address the wheat shortage in the country, which amounts to approximately 4 million tonnes. He highlighted the importance of increasing production to find a sustainable solution to the issue. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also…