QUETTA: Former senator Lashkari Raisani on Sunday expressed disappointment over the unresponsiveness of political leaders to whom he had written regarding the re-approval of the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act, 2025, terming their silence on the matter “criminal”.

Talking to journalists at his Srawan House, Mr Raisani said, “Letters were sent to all heads of opposition and other parties sitting in the assemblies and outside, pointing out the efforts were underway to re-approve the controversial Mines and Mineral Act 2025, but not a single leader or party has responded so far.”

Mr Raisani, who previously served as the provincial minister for mineral resources, said he has also taken legal action, approaching a court to request a new review of the law to ensure public control over the province’s natural resources.

He said his letters urged political leaders to “play their role in safeguarding the precious minerals of Balochistan for the next generation and foil any efforts” to loot them.

He argued that Balochistan’s immense natural wealth has historically been exploited. After natural gas was discovered in Sui in 1954, it strengthened Pakistan’s economy and transformed it into an “Asian tiger,” he said.

Says not a single political party responded to his warning letters; pleads to court for a fresh review of the law

Mr Raisani lamented that instead of benefiting the local population, the province’s resources were looted by successive federal governments, leaving 80 per cent of its people below the poverty line, according to a United Nations subsidiary report.

“We, through political movements and parties, are working to raise awareness among the people to stop the plunder of our resources,” he said.

The veteran politician noted that previous public pressure from All Parties Conferences and the provincial opposition had compelled the government to withdraw the legislation through a joint resolution.

He said Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti later announced in the media that the law would be withdrawn via an executive order and reintroduced in parliament only after consultations to address its shortcomings.

“However, no copy of that executive order has been provided to any political party so far, and we have again approached the court to obtain it,” Mr Raisani said, adding that the continued silence from opposition parties rem­­ains deeply concerning.

He stressed that parliamentarians now have a responsibility to correct past legislative errors and draft future laws that protect Balochistan’s interests.

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Mr Raisani stated that while other provinces’ chief ministers worked to secure their water and finances, Balochistan is only subjected to exploitation.

He warned that inaction by political leaders will lead to future generations’ disapproval. He emphasised that elected officials should prioritise citizens’ rights over anything.

“Our mission is to create public awareness and build political consciousness so that no one can again use legislation as a tool to loot Balochistan’s wealth,” Mr Raisani said.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2025