Balochistan seeks more seats in assemblies
QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a joint resolution demanding that the federal government increase the province’s representation in both the national and provincial assemblies, citing its vast geographical size and the longstanding sense of deprivation among its people.
The session, which began 45 minutes late under the chairmanship of Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, started with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
The resolution was moved by JUI-F MPA Asghar Ali Tareen, who stated that although Balochistan was Pakistan’s largest province by area and rich in natural resources, it remained underdeveloped and beset by numerous challenges. He argued that meaningful representation was essential to addressing the province’s problems.
The resolution recommended that the provincial government approach the Centre to ensure practical steps were taken to increase the number of seats in the Balochistan Assembly from 65 to 85, and in the National Assembly from 20 to 28. The move, the resolution stated, would help reduce public anxiety and feelings of marginalisation in the province.
Provincial assembly unanimously adopts resolution for greater share in legislatures keeping vast geography in view
Vast geography
Speaking on the resolution, Mr Tareen pointed out that a single National Assembly constituency in Balochistan was geographically equivalent to an entire district in Punjab. He added that Rakhshan Division’s National Assembly constituency in the province covered an area comparable to the whole of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He noted that legislation to increase Balochistan’s representation was previously considered for inclusion in the 27th Constitutional Amendment but was not ultimately incorporated. He added that since the PPP and the PML-N were coalition partners in both the province and at the federal level, it was an opportune time to amend the Constitution to enhance Balochistan’s representation.
Provincial Planning and Development Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi said Balochistan had not received the attention it deserved in the past.
He suggested that, instead of a marginal increase, the number of National Assembly seats should be expanded by more than 40 overall.
Opposition Leader in the House Mir Younis Aziz Zehri supported the resolution, calling it vital for the province’s interests. He stressed that beyond passing the resolution, practical implementation was necessary. He also criticised past census results, claiming that Balochistan’s population had been undercounted, and remarked that out of 362 National Assembly seats, the province’s share was negligible.
Provincial Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani highlighted that an area in Nasirabad with a population of 600,000 lacked representation in the NA.
He urged the Balochistan Assembly speaker to form a committee to present the province’s case before the federal government with solid arguments.
Members from the National Party, ANP and other political parties also backed the resolution.
A proposal was also made to form a parliamentary committee under the leadership of the chief minister to engage with the federal government on the issue.
With broad cross-party support, the House unanimously approved the resolution, marking a significant step in renewed efforts to enhance Balochistan’s political representation at both provincial and national levels.
Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2026
