Raisani says court has not received written order halting Mines Act implementation

QUETTA: Senior politician Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani stated on Wednesday that the Balochistan High Court has yet to receive a written order regarding the suspension of the Mines and Minerals Act's implementation, despite an earlier announcement by the provincial chief minister.

Speaking to the media outside the Balochistan High Court following a hearing on a petition challenging the Act, Raisani was accompanied by Barrister Mohammad Iqbal Kakar, Advocate Mohammad Riaz Ahmed, Advocate Syed Nazir Agha, and other supporters. He noted that even at the third hearing, a written copy of the executive order halting the Act's implementation had not been presented to the court.

Raisani expressed his appreciation for his legal team, lawyers, and supporters, highlighting their consistent presence at court hearings. He criticised the process by which the Mines and Minerals Act was passed, describing it as 'secretive' and noting its swift implementation immediately after receiving the governor's approval.

According to Raisani, the chief minister had previously announced in a joint press conference with the opposition leader that the implementation of the Act had been stopped through an executive order. However, he emphasized that the court is still awaiting the official written order to confirm this action.

The petition challenging the Mines and Minerals Act remains under consideration by the Balochistan High Court, with petitioners and their legal representatives continuing to press for transparency and due process in the legislative procedure.