BA Passes Water Resources Law, Raises Alarm Over Crimes Against Women

QUETTA | ANN | The Balochistan Assembly has passed the Balochistan Water Resources Management Act, 2026, amid serious concerns raised by lawmakers over deteriorating law and order, widespread drug trafficking and incidents involving the abduction and killing of women across the province.

Speaker summons DIGs over Khuzdar, Kalat incidents; lawmakers voice concern over lawlessness, drug trafficking and abductions, while audit reports are referred to Public Accounts Committee

During the assembly session, the speaker directed the relevant Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Police to appear in person with FIRs and detailed reports concerning incidents in Khuzdar and Kalat to review police action and progress in the investigations.

Speaking on the floor of the House, MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman expressed concern over the security situation, saying citizens increasingly felt unsafe even while traveling on national highways.

He criticized the authorities over the spread of narcotics, claiming that drugs were being sold openly and that enforcement agencies had failed to take effective preventive measures.

The lawmaker also raised concerns about incidents involving the abduction of girls over marriage disputes and questioned the lack of arrests in connection with the killing of Asma Jattak’s father. He called for an impartial investigation into allegations involving influential individuals.

Provincial Minister Haji Ali Madad Jattak raised the cases involving Asma Jattak and the reported abduction of Laiba Nachari in Kalat.

He demanded clarification regarding police action against Zahoor and two associates named in an FIR related to the Khuzdar incident, urging authorities to pursue those responsible without discrimination.

Jattak also criticized aspects of the traditional tribal leadership system, arguing that the influence of certain powerful figures had contributed to governance and security challenges.

Responding to the concerns, the assembly speaker sought reports on the Khuzdar and Kalat incidents and ordered the relevant DIGs to appear with case records.

MPA Meena Majeed Baloch condemned violence against women, referring to the reported abduction of Asma Jattak and the killing of three members of her family. She assured women across Balochistan that the assembly would continue raising its voice for their protection and rights.

MPA Jahanzeb Mengal said he opposed all forms of injustice but stressed that the same legal standards must apply to everyone accused of serious crimes. He requested permission to attend the proceedings involving the police officers to present his position and supporting evidence.

Meanwhile, MPA Sheikh Zarak Khan Mandokhail raised the issue of local certificates and legal rights for people who had lived in Balochistan for many years.

He urged authorities to examine their eligibility under the law rather than categorizing all long-term residents as settlers. The speaker described the matter as a legal issue and suggested that the member could submit a formal resolution.

Separately, the House received the Auditor General of Pakistan’s audit reports concerning the Climate Change, Environment and Disaster Management Organization Balochistan for the 2025–26 financial year and the Kuch Delay Action Dam.

Both reports were referred to the Public Accounts Committee for further examination and necessary action.

Lawmakers emphasized the need for stronger law enforcement, effective action against narcotics and impartial investigations into cases involving violence against women.