Amid unrest PML-N eyes govt in Balochistan

QUETTA:

Amid widespread protest over alleged rigging in the recently-held elections in Balochistan, former chief minister and PML-N leader Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on Wednesday announced plans to engage with independent members and other political parties in an effort to form a coalition government in the province.

The announcement came as workers and supporters of political parties held mass protest across the province to protest against ballot stuffing and other malpractices on the polling day.

Moreover, in deadly turn of events, at least two people were killed and around a dozen injured during an exchange of fire between two rival political groups in the Hub city of Balochistan.

Meanwhile, Alyani’s statement came a day after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced the formation of the Balochistan government.

The PPP is yet to nominate its candidate for the slot of chief minister in the province.

However, Sarfraz Bugti, the former caretaker interior minister and Mir Sadiq Umrani, a PPP central leader, are considered to be the potential candidates for the slot of the Balochistan chief minister.

Nawab Aslam Raisani of the JUI-F and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani of the BAP are other prominent candidates eyeing this provincial post. However, Alyani himself is also in the race for the coveted office.

“With 10 seats under its belt, the PML-N Balochistan is poised to play a significant role in the formation of the provincial government,” Alyani said.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Alyani wrote that the PML-N Balochistan was interacting with independent members as well as the rest of the parties so that a progressive and prosperous way forward could be made for the province.

In Balochistan, six independent candidates won the provincial assembly elections, making made their way to the House of 65 and their role was crucial.

The PML-N Balochistan also held its first consultative meeting after the polls chaired by party’s provincial president Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhail.

A day earlier, a shutter-down strike was observed in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan against the alleged poll rigging in the province.

Four nationalist political parties -- the BNP, PkMAP, National Party, and Hazara Democratic Party had given the call for a strike against what they claimed was record poll rigging during the recently held general elections.

Alyani’s statement comes at a crucial juncture as all parties are intensifying their efforts to ensure the smooth formation of the government in Balochistan.

By reaching out to independent members and other parties, the PML-N aims to foster cooperation and collaboration, laying the groundwork for a united approach to address the challenges facing the province.

The initiative reflects a commitment to inclusive governance and consensus-building, emphasising the importance of collective action in driving development and prosperity in Balochistan.

As discussions unfold and alliances are forged, stakeholders remain hopeful that a constructive and cohesive government will emerge, dedicated to advancing the interests of the people as well as realising the full potential of Balochistan.