Balochistan Assembly Calls for Uninterrupted Power Supply
On October 18, the Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution urging the central government of Pakistan to ensure a continuous power supply to the province. The resolution was introduced by Hidayatur Rehman from Jamaat-e-Islami, one of Pakistan’s oldest political parties. It highlighted the province’s rich resources and the lack of benefits for its citizens.
Key Demands
The resolution called for Balochistan to be declared a disaster-hit area and for electricity dues to be waived. It also noted the drastic reduction in electricity supply to the Makran division from Iran, dropping from 200 MW to 10 MW. The resolution demanded that power from Iran be billed at Iranian rates.
Support and Actions
Both government and opposition parties supported the resolution. Farah Azim Shah, a government member, declared refusal to pay Independent Power Producer bills. Assembly members also called for the inclusion of gas loadshedding in the resolution. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti was instructed to form a committee to address the crisis with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Impact on Citizens
Assembly members noted the energy crisis’s significant impact on the public’s lives. Provincial ministers Mir Asim Kurd Gailo, Mir Sadiq Umrani, and Saleem Khan Khoso supported the resolution, with Hidayatur Rehman reiterating its justification.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan Assembly -: The Balochistan Assembly is a group of elected people who make important decisions and laws for the Balochistan province in Pakistan, similar to how the Vidhan Sabha works in Indian states.
Central Government -: The central government is the main governing body of a country, like the Government of India, which makes decisions for the entire nation. In this context, it refers to the government of Pakistan.
Jamaat-e-Islami -: Jamaat-e-Islami is a political and religious party in Pakistan. It is similar to political parties in India that have specific beliefs and work to represent people’s interests.
Makran division -: The Makran division is a region in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is like a district or area within a state in India.
Disaster-hit area -: A disaster-hit area is a place that has been severely affected by a natural or man-made disaster, like floods or earthquakes, and needs special help and support from the government.
Electricity dues -: Electricity dues are the bills or money that people need to pay for using electricity. Waiving these dues means people won’t have to pay them for a certain time.