QUETTA - The Balochistan High Court’s division bench on Thursday summoned officials of the federal and provincial governments and Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) in Saindak Extension Accord on January 8 next year.

The division bench, comprising BHC Chief Justice Noor Muhammad Meskanzai and Justice Zaheer-ud-Din Kakar, issued notices to the authorities concerned on the petition of Balochistan National Party (BNP) central leader and ex-senator, Sana Baloch.

Sana Baloch, his counsel Naveed Baloch advocate, Deputy Attorney General Abdullah Khan, Assistant Advocate General Shyak Baloch and others were present in the court.

The litigant stated in the petition the government had signed extension agreement of Saindak with the Chinese MCC this year, which should stand suspended being in contravention of the court instructions.

Sana Baloch, recording his statement before the division bench, said he had filed the petition before the extension agreement, but the government clandestinely issued an NOC to the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) in a hurry and signed the extension accord, without keeping in view legal, constitutional and environmental prospects.

Justice Noor Muhammad Meskanzai remarked it was a technical issue, so no ruling can be given without hearing both the sides. The bench then issued notices to the federal and provincial governments as well as the Chinese company to appear on Jan 8, 2018.