Four dissident MNAs of PML-N join BAP

MNAs joined BAP as Sharif was favouring others over them

QUETTA: Four dissident MNAs of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday joined the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) after developing differences with Nawaz Sharif over favouring PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and National Party chief Hasil Khan Bizenjo instead of his own party leaders.

Three MNAs – former federal minister Jam Kamal, Minister of State for Information Technology Dostain Domki and Khalid Magsi – had tendered their resignation in April last month, while the fourth Khalil George Bhutto resigned on Thursday.

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Addressing a joint news conference at the Quetta Press Club, the four MNAs vowed to fight for the rights of Balochistan. They were flanked by BAP Chairman Saeed Ahmed Hashmi.

Former minister Kamal said, “The time has come for Balochistan to make provincial decisions on its own instead of withstanding pressure from the Centre.”

He said that they were considering leaving the PML-N for the last couple of months.

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He said that despite criticism, “we chose to join BAP in order to struggle for the rights of the province”.

“We are on the same page that leads the province towards development and prosperity because the previous regimes were unable to resolve Balochistan’s issues,” he said, adding that they were optimistic and would put in their earnest efforts in order to lead the people of Balochistan in an exemplary way.

Magsi, Domki and George lamented the PML-N central leadership’s attitude in resolving their concerns.

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“Nawaz Sharif resolved issues perturbing Achakzai and Hasil Bizenjo, but did not pay any heed in even listening to the matters of other MNAs and MPAs,” they added.

The BAP chief said, “The party’s council session will be called before Ramazan. After electing central and provincial leadership we will register our party with the Election Commission of Pakistan.”

Hashmi said, “We have decided to introduce youth in the political leadership of Balochistan. After the election we will form the provincial government.”