PML-N signals alliance with NP

Initial understanding between the two parties reached on seat-to-seat adjustment

QUETTA:

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and the National Party (NP) are poised to forge an electoral alliance in Balochistan for the upcoming general elections.

Jam Kamal Khan, the former chief minister of Balochistan who recently joined PML-N and is a key contender for the CM’s position, announced on Friday that the two parties have reached an understanding to form an electoral alliance in specific constituencies.

Negotiations between the parties are ongoing, focusing on seat-to-seat adjustments and electoral alliances in districts such as Awaran, Lasbela, Hub, and other parts of Balochistan.

“There is a possibility of an electoral alliance between PML-N and NP as we have already reached an understanding on seat-to-seat adjustment,” stated Jam Kamal.

He held a meeting with Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief of NP and former chief minister of Balochistan, to discuss the potential electoral alliance in some constituencies. The history between the two parties shows cordial political relations, especially when PML-N nominated Dr Malik Baloch as the chief minister of Balochistan during the 2013 general elections.

Read IPP says seat adjustment with PML-N finalised

“Yes, there is a possibility of an alliance with PML-N on some seats,” confirmed Jan Muhammad Buledi, the Central Secretary General of the NP. He emphasized that discussions about Awaran and Lasbela are underway for the electoral alliance negotiations.

Observers note that Jam Kamal Khan has a keen political interest in making inroads into Awaran, potentially challenging his rival, Mir Quddus Bizenjo, the former CM of Balochistan.

Bizenjo, in turn, has been attempting to exert pressure on Jam Kamal in Hub and Lasbela districts, creating a political exchange between the two leaders. The PML-N has successfully secured the support of many ‘electables’ in Balochistan, positioning itself to form a coalition government in the province.

It’s noteworthy that the National Party and Balochistan National Party are the two main Baloch nationalist parties in the province, holding substantial support among the general public.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2024.