QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly member Zahid Riki recently created a stir during a provincial assembly session by tossing his passport onto the floor in strong protest after being offloaded at the airport.
Speaking on a point of order, the opposition lawmaker shared that he was en route to Madina when FIA officials stopped him and labeled him a “terrorist.”
He claimed that he learned Additional Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat had blocked his passport, but his calls to the official went unanswered.
Expressing deep frustration over the incident, Balochistan Assembly member Zahid Riki questioned his alleged affiliations and demanded formal proof, stating that branding an elected representative as a terrorist severely violates legislative privilege.
The dramatic protest drew an immediate reaction from the provincial leadership.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the manner in which the document was discarded, remarking that throwing the passport of a great country is inappropriate.
However, the Chief Minister apologized for the inconvenience faced by the lawmaker at the airport and confirmed that the Additional Secretary Home has been summoned to resolve the matter in a chamber meeting.
Following the uproar, Balochistan Assembly member Zahid Riki offered an apology for his gesture, clarifying that he had no malicious intent.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on bureaucratic overreach, highlighting the ongoing tensions between lawmakers and administrative officials, while Balochistan Assembly member Zahid Riki continues to demand accountability regarding the suspension of his travel documents.
It is worth mentioning that several other members assembly have been complaining about the lack of empowerment and untoward behaviour that was adopted towards them over the years.
The members often complain that despite severe security challenges , they have been raising the voice of the state in their respective constituencies.
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However, they have not been behaved in the similar kind way in response.
