Govt decisions on precious minerals of Balochistan without consultation challenged

  • September 26, 2013, 7:41 pm
  • Business News
  • 169 Views

(corrected)
ISLAMABAD, Sept 26 (Online): The decisions taken by the federal government in respect of precious minerals of Balochistan without the consultation of provincial government have been challenged in Supreme Court (SC).

A constitutional petition has been filed by BNP leader Sardar Sana Ullah Mengal through Tariq Asad advocate making federal ministry for petroleum and natural resources, finance secretary, government of Balochistan, chief minister Balochistan and Balochistan Development Authority respondents.

The petitioner has taken the plea in the petition that precious mineral deposits of Balochistan were sold out at throw away rates during former president Pervez Musharraf regime and later during the tenure of former president Asif Ali Zardari. SC has already given decision in respect of Reko-dik ( gold deposits).

The court was prayed through the petition that it should be made binding on the federal government that no decision by it be taken with respect to mineral deposits and other matters of Balochistan without the consultation of government of Balochistan. Transparency be ensured in all accords including Gawadar port and details of all the agreements which have been struck at international level be sought from federal government. People of Balochistan be declared the owners of precious minerals of the province and due share be given to the government by meeting all the ends of justice, the petition said.