QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution asking the provincial government to set up Darul Aman to provide shelter to women who were victims of domestic violence in the six divisional headquarters.

The resolution was moved by Yasmin Lehri of the National Party in the session presided over by Speaker Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani.

The resolution was passed when only 14 of the 65 members were present in the house, while quorum requires at least 17 members.

None of the members from the opposition and treasury benches pointed out that the quorum was not sufficient to pass a resolution and the assembly proceedings continued despite the shortfall.

Addressing the house, Ms Lehri said that Darul Aman facility was not available in Sibi and other districts of Balochistan for victims of domestic violence who were forced to leave their homes.

“The Darul Aman facility is available only in Quetta, and women facing domestic violence in far flung districts of Balochistan have no option but to continue being tortured,” she said, adding that the situation of the Darul Aman in the provincial capital was not ideal as well as it lacked basic facilities, including health and education.

Provincial ministers Dr Hamid Khan Achakzai, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal and MPA of National Party Dr Shama Ishaq supported the resolution, suggesting that special fund should be allocated for the purpose in the next budget.

The assembly also passed another resolution moved by Shahida Rauf of Jamiat Ulema-i- Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), urging the National Highway Authority (NHA) to take practical steps to prevent fatal traffic accidents along the National Highway in Balochistan with the cooperation of the provincial transport department.

“Check and balance system should be introduced in Balochistan for avoiding such fatal incidents in future,” Ms Rauf suggested in her resolution, adding that there was no check on underage drivers and possession of driving licence across the province.

Other members of the assembly also expressed their concern over increase in traffic incidents on the highway and how driving licenses were issued by the authorities concerned without taking test.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2017