‘If KP govt is blamed for terror, why not Balochistan?’

Members of the National Assembly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have voiced strong criticism against the federal government, accusing it of maintaining a "double standard" in its approach to terrorism and lawlessness plaguing different provinces. Specifically, PTI lawmakers highlighted the worsening security situation in Balochistan, questioning why the federal government does not apply the same scrutiny to this province as it does to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which is governed by the PTI.

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Mr Speaker, the question is where are we heading? We are not heading anywhere except on the path to self-destruction

Adil Khan Bazai, a PTI MNA, pointed out that despite extraordinary security measures and enhanced powers for law enforcement in Balochistan, terrorism persists. He posed a critical question to the treasury benches: if the provincial setup in KP is deemed responsible for terrorism, then what about Balochistan, where the PTI does not hold government power? This rhetorical challenge underscores the PTI's stance that the federal government is unfairly singling out their provincial administration while overlooking or mismanaging security issues elsewhere.

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If terrorism in KP is because of the provincial set-up there, God forbid… [then] what about Balochistan?

Adding to the accusations, Bazai also raised concerns about inflation, the high cost of living, and street crime affecting the people of Punjab, questioning if these issues could be solely attributed to Imran Khan or the PTI. He also alleged arbitrary arrests of his personal staff, demanding an explanation. Khushal Khan Kakar, another PTI MNA, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the federal government over rising terrorism in Balochistan and the excessive presence of check posts.

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But is all that because of Imran Khan or the PTI?

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry asserted that these matters fall under provincial jurisdiction. He offered to facilitate a meeting between the PTI MNAs and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to address local issues. However, this response was met with cross-talk, as PTI lawmakers pointed out that federal entities like the Coast Guards and Frontier Corps are involved in security in Balochistan, challenging the minister's assertion that these are purely provincial subjects. The debate highlights the ongoing political tensions and differing perspectives on national security and governance between the ruling coalition and the PTI.

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My driver, guard and personnel assistant have been picked up without any charges or reason