Pakistan

Murree agreement: PM urged to let Malik continue as CM Balochistan

Under the Murree Agreement, Malik is only meant to complete half of his five-year term, making way for a PML-N CM

Abdul Manan December 05, 2015

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif fears if Murree agreement is not implemented then party may revolt against him in Balochistan and move no confidence resolution against CM. PHOTO: PID

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister's National Security Advisor Lt General (retd) Nasir Janjua has advised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to let Dr Abdul Malik Baloch continue as Balochistan Chief Minister for the entire term.

According to well place sources in the federal government, the premier personally wanted to implement the Murree Agreement and see his party’s Balocistan chapter president Sardar Sanaullah Khan Zehri replace Dr Malik as the chief minister.

The prime minister is said to have started consultation regarding the implementation of the Murree Agreement, which expired on December 4, and will have to make a final call soon.

Under the 2013 Murree agreement, Malik is only supposed to complete half of the five-year constitutional term and make way for another chief minister from the PML-N.

More uncertainty in Balochistan

Janjua called on the prime minister at PM House on Saturday, where issues pertaining to national and regional security situation were discussed.

Although the official handout did not touch upon the details of the meeting, sources said the discussion focused on Balochistan, including the Murree Agreement, implications of a change in the Balochistan government on the ongoing talks with Baloch insurgents and the law order situation of the province.

PkMAP to back PML-N if Murree deal falters

The advisor suggested that the premier not change the current set up of Balochistan government and let Malik complete his five year constitutional term.

The premier, however, does not wish to back out from his commitment to his own party and also fears if the agreement is not implemented, his party may revolt against him in Balochistan and move a no-confidence resolution against Dr Malik.

Sources further added that in the coming days, Prime Minister Nawaz will meet senior party leadership and signatories of the Murree Agreement before taking a final decision.