QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on Tuesday that called for legislation and immediate steps for providing quality education and food to children and stopping child labour and abuse of children in the province.

The resolution was moved in the house by Nasrullah Zeray of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP).

While tabling the resolution, he said that Article 35 of the Constitution guaranteed rights of all children and ensured their protection.

“Pakistan is a signatory to the United Nations’ Convention, 1990, which ensured children’s protection and their security,” the PkMAP leader said.

Speaking on the resolution, Bushra Rind said that increasing cases of rape and child abuse in society were a matter of great concern.

“We must take initiative to stop such barbaric and vile acts against innocent children,” she said. “The basic purpose of bringing a joint resolution is to give a clear message that entire society and all people of the country are united against such immoral and inhuman practices,” Ms Rind said.

On the issue of brutal killing of a boy, Syed Ghousullah, by kidnappers, Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zia Ahmed Langove said the matter was a test case for the home department and all investigation agencies.

“Police and law enforcement agencies have been working day and night and soon all culprits behind the gory crime will be arrested,” Mr Langove claimed.

The issue of low pressure of natural gas in different areas of Quetta was also taken up during the session.

Through an adjournment motion, Hazara Democratic Party leader Qadir Nayal raised the matter and said that Hazara Town, Brewery Road and some other areas of the provincial capital were facing serious problems because of extremely low gas pressure.

The house adopted the adjournment motion and decided to debate the issue on Nov 21.

A draft bill for increase in salaries, perks and allowances of the chief minister and provincial ministers was also tabled in the provincial assembly.

The bill was referred to the subcommittee of the house for further discussion and improvement.

Mahjabeen Sheeran presented the draft bill in the house.

The Balochistan Healthcare Commission Draft 2019 was also tabled in the house. Later, Balochistan Assembly Depu­ty Speaker Sardar Babar Moosakhel postponed the session till Nov 21.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2019