QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has warned that his government would be the first to resist if Islamabad encroached into the departments devolved under 18th amendment to the provinces.
Speaking at a function regarding the passage of historic 18th amendment, he alleged that the federal government was trying to snatch back the powers devolved to the provinces under the 18th amendment bill.
The chief minister said all mainstream political parties in general and nationalists in particular played an important role in the passage of 18th amendment.
“We risked our political career while becoming part of the amendment,” Dr Baloch said while referring to insurgency in Balochistan.
He cautioned the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to beware about the repercussions with regards to interference in the departments devolved to the provinces.
“Rulers are sidetracking regarding implementation of the amendment,” he said, adding that strong provinces can guarantee a developed and prosperous federation.
Baloch reiterated that except currency, defense and foreign affairs, rest of the powers should to be devolved to the provinces. He said Pakistan was a multi-ethnic state and all nationalities living in the country have to be given due rights on their resources.
“If some countries in the world can declare up to 27 languages as national languages then why we can’t,” he questioned.
The chief minister stated that there were two schools of thoughts i.e. centralists and decentralists. “I belong to the decentralist one,” he explained. He said decentralisation of powers to the provinces can ensure the development and stability of the country.
He, however, urged upon the bureaucrats to ensure implementation of the government's policies. He said that unlike past the current government was determined and convicted to uphold the banner of merit and justice in the province.
“We have set our goals in all sectors,” he said, adding that the officers must comply with orders of the government.
Regarding gas and oil exploration in Balochistan, the chief minister said the companies were bound to take the provincial government on board regarding exploration of oil and gas.
“Without our permission they cannot even dig an inch of soil,” he clarified.
Dr Baloch reiterated the resolve that his government would make no compromise over the rights and resources of people of Balochistan.