QUETTA: Balochistan Fina­nce Minister Zamrak Khan Piralzai has warned the centre that the provincial assembly would be dissolved if the federal government didn’t pay the province its share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

The minister expressed these views after lawmakers from both sides of the aisle complained Islamabad was not paying the province’s share under the NFC award.

Mr Piralzai told the house that he visited Islamabad and met federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials. He said he told the federal minister that if Balochistan was not paid its share, Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo would dissolve the assembly. If the financial crunch persisted, the province would not be unable to pay salaries to its employees, he added.

During the session, Sanaullah Baloch of the opposition BNP-Mengal said Balochistan’s representative was not invited for talks with the IMF.

Speaking at a point of order, Mr Baloch said the house should adopt a resolution and urged the federal government to ensure Balochistan’s representation during the next round of talks.

The opposition lawmaker’s suggestions also found voices of support from the treasury benches.­

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2023