QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of provincial finance commission for distribution of resources between the provincial government and local councils in districts and divisions.

Ms Yasmin Lehri of National Party had tabled the resolution in the last session, and she took up the resolution again on Tuesday. After getting bipartisan support in the house, the resolution was adopted.

The provincial government was directed to take up the issue in the formal meeting of the provincial cabinet for adopting it as per the recommendations of the Balochistan Assembly.

Minister Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhel assured the house that he would support the move in the cabinet meeting, saying that it should be adopted in letter and spirit.

Ms Lehri in her speech deplored that the issue was ignored to the disadvantage of backward regions and poor people.

Members were of the opinion that the provincial finance commission would help resolve many issues and make distribution of resources just and fair between the provincial government and local councils.

In the past, the ruling coalition, mainly religious partners in the coalition, had opposed the move to establish the provincial finance commission as they wanted to monopolise the available resources of the province.

The house also discussed the issue of security and safety on highways all over Balochistan and finally decided to summon National Highway Authority’s officials to discuss safety measures on highways. It was suggested that highways should be widened or made dual carriage way to avert disasters.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2017