Balochistan CM reviews border situation with Iran
Staff Report
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti chaired a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister Secretariat to assess the current situation in districts bordering Iran. The meeting thoroughly reviewed measures for ensuring food and fuel supplies, the return of pilgrims and students, and the overall law and order in these border areas.
Additional Chief Secretary Home Zahid Saleem, Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon, Director General PDMA Jahanzeb Khan, Spokesperson Balochistan Government Shahid Rind, Director FIA Bahram Khan Mandokhel, and other officials from the Home Department attended the meeting. Inspector General of Police Balochistan Moazzam Jah Ansari, Commissioner Makran Division, Commissioner Rakhshan Division, and Deputy Commissioners of the border districts participated via video link.
During the meeting, various institutions briefed the Chief Minister on current arrangements and future action plans. Officials reported that there is currently no critical situation in Balochistan’s areas bordering Iran, with no food shortages.
Chief Minister Bugti directed officials to take effective measures to ensure a consistent supply of food and beverages in border areas, preventing any difficulties for residents. He also instructed the implementation of a strategy using alternative sources to maintain electricity and LPG supplies. The Chief Minister noted that communication with the federal government is ongoing to improve the energy and fuel situation, specifically mentioning ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum for petrol supply in the border areas to prevent fuel shortages for the local population.
Chief Minister Bugti emphasized the necessity of timely and coordinated measures to protect the local population from food and fuel shortages. He directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to prepare a contingency plan for any unusual or emergency situation, ensuring a prompt response. He urged concerned commissioners and deputy commissioners to closely monitor the situation and prioritize resolving public issues.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the safe return of pilgrims and students, calling for more effective measures to ensure their safe journeys. He affirmed the Balochistan government’s commitment to public relief measures at all levels and stressed the need for coordination among all institutions to ensure the safety and security of citizens in border areas.
Moreover, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Mir Atta-ur-Rehman Mengal, son of former Minister of State, former Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan and Pakistan’s former Ambassador to Qatar, Mir Muhammad Naseer Mengal. The tragic incident occurred during a terrorist attack in the Aranji area of Wadh, district Khuzdar.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Chief Minister Bugti condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and a deeply unfortunate incident. He assured that the Balochistan government will conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
“The martyrdom of Mir Atta-ur-Rehman Mengal is a great loss. Our sympathies and prayers are with the bereaved family,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the entire province stands united against terrorism and will continue the struggle until this menace is eradicated.
Chief Minister Bugti also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of Mir Mati-ur-Rehman Mengal, son of the deceased, who was injured during the attack. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family and prayed for patience and strength for them in this time of sorrow.
He reiterated that the people and government of Balochistan remain resolute in their fight against terrorism, and such incidents will not deter their determination.
Meeting discusses Child Marriage Prohibition Bill
An important lobbying meeting took place in Quetta, organized in collaboration with the National Commission for Children Balochistan, Social Welfare Department, UNICEF, and other stakeholders.
The meeting aimed to discuss obstacles to child marriage prohibition legislation in Balochistan and to build consensus on how to pass the bill in the Balochistan Assembly. Attendees included Advocate Abdul Hai (Member, National Commission for Children of Balochistan), Nasir Baloch (Deputy Director, Social Welfare), Bushra (UNICEF Representative), Sadia Atta (Provincial Head, UNFPA), Mir Bahram Lehri (Aid Balochistan), Senior Journalist Mir Bahram Baloch, Asfandyar Badini (Human Rights), Ali Raza (National Commission), Ashfaq Mengal (Helpline), Danish Saeed Khuhro (Manager), Shahid Aziz (Islamic Relief), Saeeda Manan (Social Welfare), and various civil society representatives.
Deep concern was expressed that the child marriage prohibition bill in Balochistan has been pending since 2013, despite being approved by the Balochistan Cabinet and awaiting presentation in the Assembly. Participants strongly condemned this delay and demanded the Balochistan government immediately present the bill. Special tribute was paid to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for being the first to pass a child marriage prohibition law in Sindh province in 2014. With this bill now presented in the federal parliament, attendees highlighted the PPP’s continued commitment to children’s rights under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari. Civil society members also expressed high expectations from Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, who had promised in a 2018 seminar to ensure the bill’s passage. The meeting reiterated confidence that the Chief Minister’s sensitivity to children’s issues would be crucial for the law’s enactment.
Participants stressed that this law should be viewed from both human rights and public health perspectives. Experts noted that early marriage can be fatal to young girls’ health, leading to infectious diseases like fistula. They also highlighted that girls’ bodies are still developing until age 18, and childbirth at this age poses risks to both mother and child. All participants pledged to continue advocating for the bill’s passage and called on all political parties, especially members of the Balochistan Assembly, to support its enactment for a better future for children.
