QUETTA: Opposition parties in the Balochistan Assembly boycotted the first day of its budget session on Wednesday to protest against “discriminatory attitude being meted out to opposition lawmakers by the treasury benches”.

Announcing this at a press conference, Leader of Opposition in the Balochistan Assembly Maulana Wasay claimed that treasury benches had violated the constitution by nominating a lawmaker of a ruling party as chairman of the public accounts committee. According to the constitution, the office should go to an opposition lawmaker.

Take a look: Rs243bn deficit budget presented in Balochistan Assembly

He pointed out that only two MPAs from opposition benches had been nominated for chairmanship of two standing committees out of 17.

Maulana Wasay accused the government of utilising development funds in the constituencies of opposition MPAs through unelected people.

He said the government did not take the opposition in confidence while making vital decisions.

“During assembly sessions, when we raise issue of public concern, the treasury benches pay no heed to us,” he said.

He said that poor law and order situation was the most serious issue faced by people of Balochistan and inappropriate action taken by the government had failed to curb lawlessness in the province.

MPAs Zamarak Khan Achakzai of the Awami National Party and Hammal Kalmati of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal were also present in the press conference.

Published in Dawn June 18th, 2015

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