QUETTA: Opposition members staged a walkout from the Balochistan Assembly in protest against the government’s decision to create new divisions and districts, warning that the move would distort the geographical and tribal history of the province.

Former chief minister and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam leader Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani strongly opposed the re-delimitation of districts and divisions, saying the inclusion of Kachhi district in Sibi division and Mastung in Quetta division was unacceptable to the people.

“Kachhi and Mastung were integral parts of the former Kalat state,” he said, arguing that such administrative changes, made under the assumption that they would bring peace, would instead create disputes among brotherly communities over jobs, educational quotas and other issues. He demanded the withdrawal of the decision and announced a protest walkout.

Mr Raisani also condemned what he termed “anti-Baloch decisions” and said the opposition would not accept legislation such as the Mines and Minerals law, anti-terrorism laws or similar measures. Following his remarks, opposition members walked out of the House.

Raisani opposes inclusion of Kachhi district in Sibi division and Mastung in Quetta division

Provincial Minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran said that during the British era, a royal jirga used to be held in Mastung, where tribal chiefs of Sarawan and Jhalawan gathered. He said Mastung’s historical importance made its inclusion in Quetta division unjust, adding that the province’s historical identity was being distorted.

Criticising what he called “strange decisions” taken by the cabinet, Mr Khetran alleged that a sub-tehsil had been upgraded to a district under the name of Upper Dera Bugti. He claimed the distance to Dera Bugti had been exaggerated, whereas nearby areas were much closer. He alleged that Pir Koh was included in Upper Dera Bugti because of its oil and gas resources.

He said several villages spread over long distances had been included in Upper Dera Bugti, accusing those in power of attempting to alter Balochistan’s geographical status. He also criticised the formation of a Koh-i-Suleman division, saying Balochistan was not part of Koh-i-Suleman, and warned against such measures at a time when the province was already facing unrest.

Responding to the criticism, provincial minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said the Balochistan cabinet was taking administrative decisions aimed at development and prosperity so that improved governance could deliver benefits to the public. He rejected claims of distorting history and condemned the use of the term “anti-Baloch decisions”.

Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi congratulated the House on the creation of new districts and divisions, including Tump, Upper Dera Bugti, Barshore and Koh-i-Suleman. He said administrative units should be formed to improve governance and resolve public issues, adding that progress should not be hindered in the name of political or tribal interests.

Awami National Party legislator Zamarak Khan Achakzai said the opposition members should be called back to the House and all stakeholders be taken into confidence. The speaker then constituted a delegation to persuade the opposition members, who later returned to the House.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026