In Quetta on Friday, the Balochistan Assembly adopted an urgent joint resolution calling for increased federal representation for the province, emphasizing its vast geographical size and longstanding sense of neglect among its people. The session began half an hour late under the chairmanship of Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, who opened proceedings with recitals from the Holy Quran.
The resolution was moved by JUI-F Member Asghar Ali Tareen, who argued that despite Balochistan’s size and resources, it remained unaddressed. He stated that meaningful representation would aid in addressing the province’s challenges. The resolution proposed expanding Balochistan’s provincial assembly seats from 65 to 85 and National Assembly seats from 20 to 28.
Tareen elaborated on the issue, highlighting how a single constituency in Balochistan equaled an entire district in Punjab. He also pointed out that Rakhshan Division’s national constituency spanned over an area equivalent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Noting that previous constitutional amendments for this purpose had been considered but not included, Tareen argued it was now a timely opportunity under the PPP and PML-N’s coalition government.
Provincial Planning and Development Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi emphasized Balochistan’s underutilization of resources in the past. Suggesting an increase over 40 seats for National Assembly representation, he noted that population census results indicated undercounting within Balochistan. He pointed out a constituency in Nasirabad with a 600,000-population lacked NA seat.
Buledi urged the speaker to form a committee to present the province’s case to federal authorities, supported by several other provincial ministers and leaders from different parties. The proposal also advocated forming a parliamentary committee under the chief minister to engage in the matter with federal government officials.
With broad cross-party support, the Balochistan Assembly unanimously approved the resolution, marking a significant step towards enhanced political representation at both provincial and national levels.
Published on February 21st, 2026 in Dawn.