Concerns Mount Over Exclusion of Pashtun Lawmakers from Balochistan Cabinet
Differences within the Balochistan government have intensified over the alleged exclusion of elected Pashtun members of the provincial assembly from key cabinet positions and the allocation of significant development funds to unelected advisors.
According to sources, out of the 20-member cabinet, only two ministers belong to the Pashtun community, while three of the five advisors are unelected individuals. Furthermore, none of the advisors belong to the Pashtun or Hazara communities, sparking strong reservations among elected lawmakers.
Lawmakers claim that a large portion of development funds is being used to benefit unelected individuals, while districts with Pashtun majorities have received reduced allocations in the current fiscal year. Elected representatives from Quetta, the provincial capital, have also expressed concern over being consistently sidelined and marginalized.
Some members have accused the Chief Minister of Balochistan of deliberately neglecting Pashtun districts, their representatives, and other ethnic groups. They argue that while billions of rupees are being spent on beautifying the Airport Road in Quetta, surrounding streets, drainage systems, schools, and basic infrastructure are in a state of neglect and disrepair.
A number of lawmakers have warned that if the allocation of funds to unelected individuals continues and elected Pashtun representatives are not consulted, they may boycott the upcoming budget session—potentially causing serious parliamentary challenges for the government.
Sources indicate that Pashtun lawmakers have decided to approach party leaderships and senior officials directly to convey their concerns. They have stated that if the Chief Minister fails to change his approach, they will be forced to take collective and firm action.
Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader Maulana Noorullah and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) representative Asfandyar Kakar had also raised concerns about the unfair distribution of development funds. However, despite their statements, the situation remains unchanged.
Lawmakers warned that sidelining the Pashtun population, which comprises nearly half of the province’s demographic, in cabinet representation, policy consultations, and development funding could fuel future ethnic and political tensions, for which the government will be held solely responsible.
