BNP-M supports JUI-F man in Quetta by-polls

BNP-M, JUI-F relations defined as a continuation of ties cultivated during Mengal and Mufti Mehmood political era

QUETTA: The Balochistan National Party-Mengal on Tuesday withdrew its candidate in favour of JUI F, announcing support for the religio-political party in by-election on PB-26 Quetta.

Addressing a joint news conference, Opposition Leader Malik Sikandar Advocate and BNP’s Malik Sikandar Shahwani said united opposition has announced fielding Maulana Wali Muhammad Turabi as joint candidate for PB-26 by-election, adding BNP-M and JUI-F would launch joint campaign in the constituency.

“JUI-F and BNP-M have formed opposition alliance in the province because both parties have been striving for the rights of the downtrodden people of Balochistan. Both parties have previously contested by-elections jointly and we intend to expand this alliance beyond the province,” they added.

Newly announced opposition leader Malik Sikandar Advocate said joint opposition commands an overall strength of 22 members in the provincial assembly and for a regime change we need 24 MPAs.

“We have decided to consult former chief minister and senior politician Nawab Aslam Raisani over opposition affairs and we haven’t yet contacted newly-elected MPA Sardar Masood Loni,” the opposition leader said.

Replying to a question, senior member of BNP-M Sajid Tareen Advocate described BNP-M and JUI-F relations as a continuation of ties cultivated during the time Sardar Attaullah Mengal and Mufti Mehmood were in politics.

“To continue struggle for due rights of Balochistan, both parties have been fielding a joint candidate to bar fake leaders from entering the provincial assembly,” he added.