QUETTA: Former senator Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani has slammed the Mines and Minerals Act, Balochistan, calling it a law that steals resources from future generations. He urged all political parties in parliament to revisit the Act and protect the province’s wealth. At a Quetta Press Club conference on Sunday, joined by his lawyer Barrister Muhammad Iqbal Kakar and Prof Hanif Bazai, Lashkari warned, "If corrective measures are not undertaken, the matter would be taken to the ‘people’s court.’" He added, "If parliament fails to act, political parties will be forgotten by both history and the people of Balochistan." He explained that on March 12 last year, the Balochistan Assembly passed the Act, which handed sweeping powers over land and mineral resources to the federal government. A seven-member committee led by a DG-rank officer was given authority to allocate lands and mineral areas. Lashkari said this directly conflicts with the 18th Constitutional Amendment that gives provinces control over these matters. He expressed concern that political parties, inside and outside parliament, have been silent on this issue while they should protect public rights and act as a bridge between the state and citizens. Lashkari claimed deals over the Reko Diq project were already settled and described the Act as a scheme to strip Balochistan of its rights. Behind-the-scenes benefits like assembly seats and favours were reportedly secured by some stakeholders. A constitutional petition against the Act is currently being heard in court. Despite an executive order from the Mines Department to suspend the Act, tenders and allotments continue. Lashkari said they have requested official details but received no answers. Efforts to obtain the chief minister’s executive order through courts have also stalled. “I do not believe in backdoor routes to power,” Lashkari said. “We have approached courts seeking justice and protection from flawed laws.” He warned that the future survival of generations depends on controlling provincial resources. Lashkari called on the judiciary to act and said if parliament does not amend the law, they will take the issue directly to the people.