QUETTA, Feb 15: The chief executive of Balochistan, Governor Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, has no power to sign agreements allowing foreign or local firms to explore natural resources and the coastal belt of the province.

Members of the provincial assembly will oppose any move in this regard and resist operation of Gwadar port and Reko Diq copper and gold projects by any of the firms.

This was asserted by the members of the Balochistan Assembly during a session of the house chaired by Speaker Matiullah Agha on Friday evening.

“We will accept handing over of the Gwadar port operations to China if an agreement is signed with the elected government of Balochistan. Similarly, Reko Diq gold project can be handed over to a local or foreign firm if a proper agreement is signed with the elected government of Balochistan,” said Maulana Abdul Wasey, a former senior minister and ex-MPA of JUI-F.

He said that Mr Magsi had no powers to execute agreements on Gwadar and Reko Diq projects and meetings being held in this connection were unconstitutional and illegal.

He saw no respite in killings in the province even after imposition of the governor’s rule and alleged that between January 14 and February 14 at least 125 people had been killed in incidents of targeted killing and bomb blasts.

Some 35 people were also kidnapped by armed groups during the period, he added.

Another JUI-F member and ex-health minister Aainullah Shams warned the local and foreign firms from entering into any agreement with the Magsi-led administration. He accused the federal government of imposing governor’s rule because the Raisani government had declined to obey its directives over Reko Diq.

Former sports minister and an independent MPA Mir Shahnawaz Marri emphasised the need for protecting the interests of the province while signing agreements over Gwadar and Reko Diq projects.

Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-A) MPA and ex-minister for agriculture Mir Asad Baloch said that Reko Diq project was the main reason for removal of Raisani government.

He saw a well-organised plan behind the deteriorated law and order situation in the province.

He asked the Speaker to write a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner to put a ban on transfer and posting of the district administration officers in the province till the upcoming general election.