BA Rejects Resolution Against Tribal System

QUETTA | ANN | The Balochistan Assembly on Friday rejected a resolution seeking the abolition of the tribal chieftaincy system in the province, with six lawmakers voting against and five supporting the motion.

Resolution moved by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman defeated by 6–5 vote; lawmakers divided over tribal leadership, session adjourned until November 16

The resolution, moved by Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, called for enforcement of the 1976 law abolishing the Sardari system and measures to protect citizens from exploitation, forced labor and unlawful tribal authority.

During the debate, Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi supported the resolution, arguing that exploitative tribal practices had deprived people of equal rights and access to justice.

MPA Ali Madad Jattak also backed the motion, saying educated youth increasingly opposed oppressive tribal practices.

However, MPA Sheikh Zarak Khan Mandokhail opposed the resolution, maintaining that all tribal chiefs and nawabs should not be collectively blamed, as several had contributed positively to Balochistan’s development.

Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri said no tribal leader was above the law but emphasized that the contributions of respected tribal figures should not be ignored.

MPAs Zabid Ali Reki and Farah Azeem Shah also opposed exploitation and injustice while cautioning against treating all tribal leaders alike.

Following the debate, the resolution was put to a vote and defeated by a narrow margin.

Meanwhile, MPA Shehnaz Umrani presented a joint resolution by women lawmakers seeking the introduction of air services between Quetta and Sukkur.

Former Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch supported the proposal, highlighting security concerns on Balochistan’s highways.

The assembly proceedings were later suspended following a quorum challenge. Despite the ringing of bells for five minutes, the required quorum could not be completed, prompting the speaker to adjourn the session until November 16.