Mining bill & autonomy

THE recently concluded Mineral Summit was proclaimed a success by federal officials. Yet ben­eath the celebratory tone lies a contentious debate — particularly in KP and Balochistan — over a draft mining legislation reportedly prepared under the supervision of the SIFC. The Balochistan government has already enacted a version of this bill, while KP continues to deliberate.

The timing of this legislation, and the opaque process that birthed it, have raised legitimate concerns about its constitutional validity...