National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has said Balochistan and solution to its issues have always remain the top priority of government.

The parliament and public representatives can solve socio-economic issues faced by the Balochistan and its people, he said during the maiden meeting of a special parliamentary committee on Balochistan at the Parliament House on Saturday. 

He reiterated his government’s resolve to remove sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan as national progress is attached with Balochistan’s development.

He said the CPEC emanates from Gilgit-Baltistan and culminates in Balochistan increasing its significance.

Asad said implementation of 6 percent employment quota in all federal departments through an executive order shows seriousness of Prime Minister Imran Khan to address Balochistan issue.

He said parliamentary committees have vital role to play and this committee will make all-out efforts to recommend best possible solution to the problems being faced by Balochistan.

Dr Fehmida will head body to develop ToRs

To develop comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToRs), encompassing all the issues relating to Balochistan, the speaker appointed a four-member sub-committee under Dr Fehmida Mirza, the minister for inter-provincial coordination. Representative from Balochistan National Party and Defence Minister Prevaiz Khattak will assist.

Dr Fehmida said comprehensive ToRs are essential to make this committee more effective. Pervaiz Khattak said the government had taken various steps for mitigating the grievances of the people of Balochistan.

Balochistan National Party chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, MNA Agha Hassan Baloch praised the initiative and said the Balochistan issues have been getting intense since 2006.

He suggested for examining the recommendations formulated by Parliamentary Committee headed by Ch Shujjat Hussain after meeting late Nawab Akbar Khan Bughti. 

He suggested looking into the issue of missing persons besides meeting with the families to hear their grievances especially in Baloch dominating districts.

He said that BNP also demands to make public the CPEC related project detail in Balochistan.

Nawab Aslam Bhootani, Engineer Sabir Hussian Kaim khani  and Ehsan Ullah Reiki also spoke.