Balochistan power deal: PM appears reluctant to replace Malik with Zehri

Sources in PML-N claim that prime minister and party leader have yet to reach a conclusion.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif looks reluctant to nominate Mir Sana Ullah Zehri as new Chief Minister of Balochistan and is unable to decide his replacement while considering options including letting Dr Abdul Malik continue in the office, sources in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said.

“Though the date for change of power in Balochistan - according to the Murree Accord signed in 2013 - is over, PM Nawaz and his party, due to various reasons, has not yet reached any conclusion on the issue of changing the chief minister or handle the situation in other way,” sources in the PML-N told The Express Tribune.

These sources said that on the other hand Mir Sanaullah Zehri, who was supposed to be made CM Balochistan after half-term, smelling something otherwise, has contacted Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti to get his support.

“Zehri has asked Bugti to protect the interest of PML-N in Balochistan and that they should take a joint stand since PML-N provincial chapter is being ignored by the top leadership,” a party official said adding, “Zehri pledged full support if leadership decides to bring Sarfraz Bugti as the new CM Balochistan.”

Sources said that both the leaders are engaged to form a strong group within the party to strengthen their position and save the party in the province.

Continuity of policies

According to sources close to the PM Office, Prime Minister Nawaz is contemplating the fact that the given situation in Balochistan province requires continuity of power and policies and for that purpose he may let Dr Malik to continue as the top executive of the province.

“According to the Murree agreement reached with National Party (NP) the power had to be handed over to Zehri half way through the tenure,” the PML-N official reminded, “it appears the situation changed as Dr Malik managed things in a better way and now the party leadership is of the view that continuity of power is required for further improving the situation.”

Meanwhile, political circles are of the view that Zehri, who was promised the CM slot after December 4, 2015, would not be able to run the affairs of the province effectively and that Dr Malik may continue or any other person from PML-N may be considered to replace him.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2015.