QUETTA, Nov 18: Opposition members in the Balochistan Assembly on Friday criticized the government’s policy of upgrading schools, saying it was designed to promote party interests, rather than merit. Ministers belonging to the ruling PML and other MPAs said the education ministry was being controlled by an MMA member “who ignored coalition partners in running its affairs”.

Parliamentary leader of Balochistan National Party-Mengal Mir Muhammad Akbar Mengal staged a token walkout to condemn remarks of federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan in Senate against the people of Balochistan.

Deputy Speaker Mir Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, who chaired the session, disposed of PPPP member Shafique Ahmed’s privilege motion pertaining to installation of tube-wells in Quetta.

During the question hour, Education Minister Maulana Abdul Wahid Siddique came under fire when members from both sides expressed dissatisfaction with the policy regarding upgradation of primary and middle schools.

The minister asserted that owing to paucity of funds the upgradation of schools was confined to the most neglected areas. He assured that other areas would be given equal opportunity following allocation of funds.

Opposition members and PML ministers expressed similier views on the issue and blamed the minister for pursuing favouritism in respect of schools upgradation. His policy was designed “to strengthen MMA constituencies rather than giving priority to neglected areas”.