Piqued by Centre's response to issues of Balochistan, MPAs to go for a final push.

QUETTA -- Treasury and opposition benches in the Balochistan Assembly have protested the federal government's unsympathetic attitude towards the flood-hit province in resolving its financial and other issues despite repeated requests for the release of Rs50 billion as the province's share in the National Finance Commission award.

Asking the Balochistan government to hold 'final' talks with Islamabad, the lawmakers on Wednesday expressed their astonishment over the federal minister's statement regarding handing over power supply companies to the provinces and demanded that the federal government should hand over Reko Diq, Gwadar port and gas company rather than Qesco to the province.

Balochistan Finance Minister Zamrak Khan Piralizai while taking up the financial crisis deplored the Centre's attitude during the session, which was presided over by Speaker Mir Jan Mohammad Khan Jamali.

The finance minister said the Centre had not yet paid Rs50bn to Balochistan in account of its share in the NFC award. He said the federal government did nothing to resolve financial issues despite repeated requests to federal ministers and officials about the challenges and rehabilitation of flood survivors. 'Not a single rupee was given to Balochistan from the foreign aid received by the federal government,' he said.

Similarly, he said, 'They are not ready to increase our National Assembly seats due to the fear that we would demand our rights.'

He said members of the house...

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