Balochistan Senators on Saturday welcomed the announcement of the Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and termed it a positive step. Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali talking to Business Recorder said the Award was a positive step particularly for Balochistan.
He said that Rs 47 billion for Balochistan had already been allocated for development projects, including the construction of small dams during Musharraf's tenure. About provincial autonomy, he said that a Special Committee of the Parliament on Constitutional Reforms would soon present a draft of recommendations to the Parliament.
About the implementation of Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package, he said the government has withdrawn the military from cantonments, set up new checkposts and handed over control to the Frontier Constabulary. He said the government was also taking measures for the recovery of missing persons.
Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo appreciated the role of Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif in agreeing to a multiple criteria for horizontal distribution of resources. Bizenjo added that Balochistan had requested the adoption of multiple criteria including area and poverty as well as gas royalty, which was accepted. He said the federal government has announced payment of Rs 120 billion gas royalty to Balochistan in the next 12 years.
Former Senator Abdul Hai Baloch of National Party (NP) said 7th NFC Award is the beginning of extending due rights to the people of Balochistan. He said all issues could be resolved by giving sovereign rights to the people of each province as well as control over their resources.
He proposed that the federal government focus on defence, currency and foreign affairs while all the other subjects should be given to the provinces. Powers of the Senate and National Assembly should be equal and the Senate should be given powers to discuss and approve the country's budget.