An increase in NA seats for Balochistan demanded
Our Correspondent :
QUETTA: Political parties here on Wednesday demanded an increase in the number of national assembly seats for Balochistan. All political parties adopted a joint resolution at a seminar organized by Quetta Press Club regarding the demand for an increase in the number of national and provincial assembly seats for Balochistan.
“An increase in the number of NA seats is indispensable”, Qasim Suri, the Deputy Speaker national assembly said. Leaders of almost all political parties from Balochistan participated in the seminar to discuss ways and means to increase seats.
Mainstream political parties should support BalochistanÂ
All mainstream political parties should support Balochistan in increasing its seats in NA owing to its area and scattered population. Balochistan covers half of the country in terms of area. However, it has only 20 seats in the NA in the house of 342, they pointed out.Â
“I will take up this issue with all legislators at the national level”, Qasim Suri assured the political leaders. The political leaders lamented that Islamabad has ignored Balochistan in all key areas including its representation in the NA. “Center must increase seats for Balochistan”, Jan Muhammad Buledi, the Central Secretary General National Party demanded. Mr. Buledi pointed out area wise, a district of Balochistan was parallel to the entire province but unfortunately, its people had no proper representation in the NA.
Joint efforts
“We have to make joint efforts for increasing seats in NA”, Takari Shafqat Langove of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) suggested the political leaders. He said the province was facing a host of issues due to its poor representation in the NA and other national institutions.
Maulana Qadir Luni of the Jamiat ul Ulem e Islam (JUI) suggested the political parties to form a joint committee.