New names emerge for caretaker CM slot in Balochistan

Govt, opposition to hold another meeting at 3pm

QUETTA: The deadlock on Balochistan’s caretaker chief minister slot persisted as the fifth round of talks between government and opposition ended without consensus.

Former chief minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo held a late night meeting with former opposition leader in Balochistan Assembly, Abdul Raheem Ziaratwal in which government recommended the name of Hussain Baksh Bangalzai and opposition nominated Ali Ahmad Kurd. Earlier, Bizenjo had shortlisted three names – Prince Ahmed Ali, Allauddin Marri and Advocate Kamran Murtaza – while Ziaratwal had two names – Qazi Ashraf and former speaker Aslam Bhootani.

Despite stalemate over the interim position, Bizenjo termed the meeting ‘good’ and said consensus will be reached on Sunday in a meeting scheduled for 3pm. “The matter has been significantly resolved,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ziaratwal said the caretaker chief executive will be appointed keeping foremost the province’s interests. “We want to ensure that the name proposed for interim CM is free of reservations.”



On May 31, Bizenjo had asserted that the name for the interim slot will be finalised by June 3. “We are optimistic that the provincial government and opposition will announce a unanimous name on June 3 or we will send the matter to the parliamentary committee and Election Commission,” Bizenjo had told reporters after the assembly session.