The federal government has so far appointed more than 45,800 individuals from Balochistan under the 6% constitutional job quota, with the recruitment process for remaining positions still ongoing, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the Senate on Monday.
The statement came during a Senate session in response to a motion raised by Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, who expressed concern over the lack of employment opportunities for the youth of Balochistan. He also questioned the status of the long-promised 11,000 jobs under the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package introduced in 2010.
In his detailed reply, Dr. Fazal said the perception that Balochistan’s job quota is being captured by individuals from other provinces is “incorrect.” He stressed that the federal government remains committed to ensuring Balochistan’s due share in all federal ministries and departments.
“Appointments under Balochistan’s quota are strictly reserved for its residents,” he told the House. “The recruitment process is transparent and adheres to merit and policy.”According to the minister, Balochistan’s quota was increased from 3.5% to 6% in 2007 to address long-standing disparities. Out of the total 49,162 federal positions earmarked for Balochistan:
Over 41,900 were from Grade 1 to 16
Nearly 3,900 officers from the province are serving in senior positions ranging from Grade 17 to 22.He also clarified that the 11,000 jobs promised under the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package fall within the 6% quota and have been filled gradually in line with quota policy.
But it wasn’t just about jobs
Dr. Fazal highlighted that Balochistan is receiving focused attention in national development planning. Out of the Rs1,000 billion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs210 billion was allocated to Balochistan. In addition, Rs60 billion was assigned to a solar energy project in the province, and Rs300 billion, saved through global petroleum price cuts, was redirected toward upgrading the region’s road infrastructure.
The minister also mentioned the establishment of six Daanish schools in the province — an initiative of the federal government — despite education being a povincial subject.
On the subject of law and order, Dr. Fazal rejected the notion that unrest in Balochistan is due to deprivation. He stated that terrorist activities in the province are being funded and supported from abroad, particularly by India. He paid tribute to Major Kakar, a young officer martyred in Balochistan, and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to restore peace and stability in the province.
Several senators responded strongly during the session
Senator Abdul Shakoor pointed out that only around 1,200 appointments had been made under the job package since 2010 and demanded that the matter be referred to the relevant Senate committee for further scrutiny.
Other lawmakers supported his position. Senator Dost Muhammad Khan backed the motion, while Senator Danesh Kumar acknowledged the PPP’s role in introducing the job package but stated that the 6% quota is still not being fully implemented. Senator Abdul Wasay raised serious concerns about the use of fake domiciles to grab jobs meant for Balochistan’s youth and demanded immediate corrective measures.
Following the debate, the Deputy Chairman Senate directed the federal government to provide a detailed report on all appointments made under Balochistan’s quota to members of the House.
