Bizenjo, Ziaratwal lock horns on caretaker CM

Both sides finalise eight candidates each

QUETTA: Provincial Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and opposition leader Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal have both shortlisted eight candidates each for the coveted slot of caretaker chief minister of Balochistan.
The development took place during the first round of a series of meetings that began late on Thursday night.
Bizenjo proposed Minister for Environment Prince Ahmed Ali, Allauddin Marri, former senator Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi, Hussain Buksh Bangulzai, former senator Advocate Kamran Murtaza, former senator Dawood Khan Achakzai, Nawabzada Ameen Raisani and Prince Mausa as possible candidates for the coveted slot.



The opposition put forward names of former ambassador Ashraf Jahangir Qazi, former speaker Aslam Bhotani, former caretaker federal minister Dr Malik Kasi, Fathe Khan Khajak, Lawyer Ali Ahmed Kurd, Abdul Salam Kakar, Munawar Mandokhail and former caretaker CM Nawab Ghous Buksh Barozai.
“Following Balochistan’s customs and cultural values, there won’t be any deadlock on choosing a candidate for the caretaker CM’s slot. Soon a unanimous name from both sides will emerge,” said CM Bizenjo, adding that they wanted to hand over the realm in responsible hands.



Ziaratwal said, “It’s a good omen that the provincial assemblies are completing their tenure. We have shortlisted names for the next caretaker CM. Talks for the caretaker set up have begun and names from both sides have been shared.”
Analysts predict that differences might emerge between the government and the opposition over convincing the latter to accept the former’s nominated caretaker chief minister. “It will not be an easy task for the provincial government,” they added.