Is the Balochistan Mines Act Designed to Exploit Resources?
Synopsis
Former senator Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani has raised alarm over the Balochistan Mines Act, claiming it is a scheme to exploit future resources of the province. He has called for legislative review, warning of a public uprising if actions aren't taken.
Key Takeaways
Former senator criticizes Balochistan Mines Act .
Legislation seen as a threat to future resources .
Calls for parliamentary review and public support .
Legal challenges are ongoing .
Concerns over authority transfer to federal government .
Quetta, Feb 16 (NationPress) The former senator of Pakistan, Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani, has expressed strong disapproval of the Mines and Minerals Act in Balochistan, asserting that this legislation is crafted to exploit the resources belonging to the province's future generations.
He called upon the lawmakers in parliament to reassess the legislation to safeguard Balochistan's assets, as reported by local media on Monday.
The former senator cautioned that if no corrective action is taken, he would escalate the issue to the “people’s court”, announcing that a political, constitutional, and democratic movement would be initiated with public support to halt unlawful practices, as mentioned by Pakistan’s prominent daily, Dawn.
While addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, he emphasized that political parties would be forgotten in history by the people of Balochistan if the parliament members do not take decisive action.
He highlighted that the Balochistan Assembly had approved the Mines and Minerals Act in March of the previous year, transferring the authority of land and mineral resources of Balochistan to the federal government.
He pointed out that a seven-member committee, led by a director-general-level officer, has been granted the power to allocate lands and mineral areas, stressing that this authority contradicts the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which devolves powers to the provinces.
Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani remarked that no political party has voiced opposition to the Act, prompting him and his colleagues to rally public support.
According to him, agreements regarding Reko Diq have already been established, and he characterized the Act as an infringement on the rights of the province of Balochistan, as reported by Dawn. He alleged that certain stakeholders are reaping behind-the-scenes benefits, including assembly seats and other privileges.
He mentioned that a legal challenge against the Act is currently being heard in court and noted that reports concerning tenders and allotments have surfaced despite an executive order from the Mines Department to suspend the Act.
He urged the judiciary to assume an effective role, warning that they would bring the issue directly to the public if the parliament fails to review and amend the legislation.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the profound implications of the Balochistan Mines Act. While the concerns raised by Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani about resource exploitation resonate, it is important to approach this issue with careful analysis and consideration of all stakeholders involved. The potential impact on both the local economy and governance structures warrants a balanced dialogue.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Balochistan Mines Act?
The Balochistan Mines Act is legislation that governs the mining and mineral resources in the province of Balochistan, recently criticized for transferring authority to the federal government.
Who is Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani?
Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani is a former senator in Pakistan known for his advocacy on behalf of Balochistan's rights and resources.
What are the main criticisms of the Act?
The Act has been criticized for potentially exploiting Balochistan's resources, contradicting the 18th Constitutional Amendment by transferring powers to the federal government, and lacking opposition from political parties.
What actions are being proposed against the Act?
Raisani is calling for lawmakers to review and amend the legislation, threatening to escalate the matter to the 'people's court' if necessary.
Is there legal action against the Balochistan Mines Act?
Yes, there is an ongoing legal challenge against the Act, with court hearings currently in progress.
