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ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP): Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday assured the Senate that the federal government remained fully committed to ensuring Balochistan due share in employment, stating that 45,809 appointments had already been made under the 6 percent quota, with recruitment for the remaining posts underway.
Responding to a motion raised by Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan regarding the lack of job opportunities for Balochistan’s youth and the fate of the 11,000 posts under the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package, he said that the perception of Balochistan’s quota being occupied by outsiders was incorrect and unfounded.
He said that Balochistan’s quota in federal ministries and organizations was increased from 3.5 to 6 percent in 2007, recognizing the province’s challenges. Out of a total of 49,162 posts under the quota, he said 41,901 were from Grade 1 to 16, and 3,908 Balochistan-based officers were working in Grades 17 to 22 across various federal departments.
He said the 11,000 jobs announced under the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package were included within the 6 percent quota and appointments had continued in accordance with merit and quota policies.
He said, “Let me assure the House that appointments under Balochistan’s quota are strictly reserved for its residents, and the ongoing recruitment process is entirely transparent.”
He further said that Balochistan was being given priority in national development. “Out of the Rs1,000 billion PSDP, Rs210 billion was allocated to Balochistan. Despite being a provincial subject, six Daanish schools were also established in the province,” he added.
The minister also said that Rs60 billion had been allocated to a solar project in Balochistan, while Rs300 billion—saved through global petroleum price cuts—was diverted to improve the province’s road infrastructure.
He rejected the impression that unrest in Balochistan stemmed from deprivation, saying, “Terror incidents are being funded from abroad, including India, and the state will act against every terrorist, regardless of location.”
He paid tribute to Major Kakar , a young officer martyred in the line of duty, and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to restore lasting peace.
Earlier, Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan criticized successive governments for not fulfilling the 2010 commitment of 11,000 jobs under the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package. He said only around 1,200 appointments had been made and demanded that the issue be referred to the concerned committee.
He also raised the matter of merit violations at the Traditional Islamic University and called for action.
Senator Dost Muhammad Khan expressed support for Senator Shakoor’s stance, while Senator Danesh Kumar thanked the PPP for introducing the job package but voiced concern that even the 6 percent quota was not being fully implemented. He demanded that genuine locals of Balochistan be given priority.
Senator Abdul Wasay also backed the motion and raised concerns over fake domiciles being used to grab posts meant for Balochistan’s youth. He demanded immediate corrective measures and highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.The Deputy Chairman Senate directed that full data on federal appointments under the Balochistan quota be provided to members of the House”.