Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has reiterated that his coalition government is committed from the very beginning to building broad consensus on all major issues of the province.
He said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also directed that the government must engage political parties and the opposition to develop a joint strategy on matters of provincial importance.
Addressing the Balochistan Assembly session on Monday, CM Bugti stated that when the Mines and Minerals Bill was tabled in the assembly, the government immediately sent it to a committee where both government and opposition members thoroughly debated it. “We even held clause-by-clause discussions at the CM House, inviting relevant associations, stakeholders, and technical experts to ensure a comprehensive consensus,” he said.
Bugti lamented that although misunderstandings can occur in reading or interpreting the law, unfortunately, some elements tried to give the matter a political color. “Our stance is clear: the Balochistan Assembly is a supreme body, and decisions must be taken within this house,” he emphasized.
He further revealed that the government had once again invited opposition members, including the opposition leader and even those parties not currently represented in the assembly, to share their input on the bill. “If any clause is objectionable, we are open to improving it. If the opposition or other parties are convinced by our arguments, that too is part of the democratic process,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to the opposition and the Speaker for maintaining a constructive environment in the assembly, the CM noted that it was mutually agreed to reshape the bill into a joint resolution. “The Assembly Secretariat will now guide us in drafting this resolution so that it can be tabled again and passed with consensus,” he announced.
Responding to the opposition’s request, CM Bugti confirmed the implementation of the Mines and Minerals Act has been suspended through an executive order. “Over the next 10 to 15 days, we will strive to build consensus.
The doors of CM House remain open for consultations, and discussions can also be held in the assembly itself. Federal representatives and other stakeholders will also be involved in this process so that no aspect is left unexamined,” he said.
Highlighting the PPP’s tradition of dialogue and consensus-building, the CM quoted former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Shaheed: “Democratic values and national progress are only possible through unity and harmony.”Bugti expressed optimism that the Mines and Minerals Bill will ultimately be passed in the form of a unanimous resolution, making it a true reflection of the collective aspirations of the people of Balochistan.
