Balochistan Assembly Session Addresses Harassment Allegations and Rising Airfare Crisis

The Balochistan Assembly session on Monday opened under the chairmanship of Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, beginning roughly an hour late but quickly evolving into one of the most charged sittings of recent weeks. The lawmakers engaged in intense debate over two critical issues: the alleged harassment of Pashtun businessmen in Sindh and the steep, unprecedented rise in airfares for passengers travelling from Quetta. Both matters sparked strong emotions, cross-party condemnation, and urgent calls for government action.

Legislation Introduced Amid Heated Start

The session began with Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani presenting the Balochistan Public–Private Partnership Amendment Bill 2025. The bill was formally introduced and forwarded to the relevant standing committee for review, ensuring it undergoes detailed discussion before being brought back to the House.

However, the legislative start soon gave way to a fiery debate as lawmakers turned their attention to a resolution concerning the safety of Pashtun traders in Karachi and other areas of Sindh.

Resolution Highlights Harassment of Pashtun Traders in Sindh

A major highlight of the Balochistan Assembly session was the resolution presented by MPA Asghar Ali Tareen, calling for urgent protection of Pashtun tribal communities engaged in business activities across Sindh. These traders—originating from Pishin, Chaman, Zhob, Muslim Bagh, Loralai, and Quetta—form a significant portion of the workforce in Karachi’s hospitality and related sectors.

The resolution alleged that, for nearly a month, Pashtun businessmen in Karachi had been subjected to harassment at the hands of the city’s land mafia and segments of the Sindh police. According to lawmakers, the goal of these intimidatory actions appeared to be the forced removal of Pashtun traders from their businesses, pushing them back toward Balochistan.

Lawmakers emphasized that these actions were causing major financial setbacks for individuals and families who rely on Karachi’s business ecosystem for their livelihoods. More importantly, the House argued that the alleged targeting of Pashtun traders was eroding inter-provincial harmony and undermining national cohesion.

Tareen’s resolution urged the Balochistan government to immediately take up the matter with the Sindh government to ensure the protection and dignity of Pashtun communities working in the province.

Emotional Debate Erupts in Assembly

The Balochistan Assembly session grew emotionally charged as multiple lawmakers voiced their concerns and anger over the situation.

MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman said the people of Balochistan were being humiliated in Sindh, raising a poignant question: “Are the people of Chaman not citizens of Pakistan?” He insisted that the Sindh Chief Minister must be taken into confidence to address the issue transparently.

ANP legislator Malik Naeem Bazai accused the Sindh authorities of engaging in “open oppression” of Pashtuns. Meanwhile, Prince Agha Umar Ahmadzai called for the immediate formation of a special committee tasked with investigating the allegations and liaising with the Sindh government.

PML-N lawmaker Barkat Ali Rind proposed holding a direct meeting with the Sindh Chief Minister and the provincial police chief to resolve the crisis without delay.

Provincial Minister Ali Hassan Zehri acknowledged the concerns but pushed back against the accusation of systematic targeting, stressing that Karachi—a metropolis of over 35 million people—could not be held responsible for isolated incidents. He added that Balochistan was prepared for constructive dialogue with Sindh if necessary.

After an extended debate, the Assembly unanimously approved the joint resolution, demanding urgent measures to safeguard the rights and security of Pashtun traders in Sindh.

Skyrocketing Quetta Airfares Trigger Outrage in the House

The second major topic dominating the Balochistan Assembly session was the dramatic rise in air travel costs for passengers flying from Quetta. Opposition MPA Shahida Rauf presented a detailed resolution highlighting the severe burden imposed on residents due to exorbitant flight fares.

According to the resolution:

• A one-way ticket from Quetta to Karachi has surged to Rs 43,000–45,000,

• Occasionally climbing as high as Rs 60,000,

• A ticket from Quetta to Islamabad has crossed Rs 70,000,

• While flights from Karachi to Lahore or Islamabad cost only Rs 15,000–20,000.

Lawmakers labeled the disparity “unfair” and “discriminatory,” arguing that the people of Balochistan were being financially strangled. They warned that such high fares were limiting the province’s social, commercial, and governmental engagement with the rest of Pakistan.

Sports Advisor Meena Majeed shared her own experience, stating she recently paid Rs 80,000 for a flight from Islamabad to Quetta—more expensive than an international ticket from Karachi to Dubai. She proposed launching additional flights from Quetta to Turbat and Quetta to Gwadar to improve connectivity and reduce pressure on existing routes.

MPA Zamrak Khan Achakzai issued a strong warning, stating that if aviation authorities failed to respond, the matter would be taken to court. He also recommended summoning the CEOs of all public and private airlines to explain the pricing discrepancies.

The Assembly eventually approved the resolution, urging the provincial government to approach the federal government, the Ministry of Aviation, PIA, and private airlines to bring Quetta fares in line with those from other major cities.

A Session Dominated by Unity and Bipartisan Demand for Action

The Balochistan Assembly session concluded with both resolutions unanimously approved—reflecting rare cross-party unity in addressing issues affecting the people of Balochistan.

Lawmakers stressed that protection of Pashtun traders and fair airfare policies were essential not only for Balochistan’s economy but also for strengthening national integration.

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