PPP, PML-N sort out portfolios in Balochistan

No formal announcement on issue made after meeting

QUETTA:

As part of the formation of the coalition government in Balochistan, the PPP and PML-N on Tuesday discussed the allocation of portfolios in the forthcoming provincial cabinet.

Notable figures from both the parties participated in a crucial meeting held to shape the future administration of the province.

Representing the PPP were eminent personalities, including former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, ex-interim interior minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Mir Changez Khan Jamali, and Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani.

On the other side, the PML-N was represented by it leading figures, including former National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the party’s provincial President, Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, and Jamal Shah Kakar.

Read more: PML-N agrees on names for Balochistan key slots

"We discussed all issues relating to the formation of the future government [in Balochistan],” one of the key leaders of the PPP present in the meeting and requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune.

Being the largest parliamentary groups in the Balochistan Assembly, both the parties engaged in discussions about the distribution of provincial ministers, advisers, as well as the positions of the speaker and deputy in the PA.

"Discussions will be under way in future as well,” the PPP leader said, giving no other details about the huddle.

Despite the significant deliberations, no formal announcement about the distribution of portfolios was made after the meeting.

However, it was agreed upon by both parties to continue the dialogue process, signifying a commitment to reach a consensus on the matter shortly.

As the discussions progress, the outcome of these negotiations will likely play a crucial role in shaping the governance and political dynamics of Balochistan, reflecting the collaborative efforts of major stakeholders in the province.

On Sunday, the newly elected members of PML-N Balochistan agreed on the names of Sheikh Jaffar Mandokhail for the post of the governor and Rahila Hameed Durrani for the slot of the provincial assembly speaker.

The names were decided during a meeting of the PML-N Parliamentary Group, chaired by its provincial chief Jaffar Mandokhail, held for discussing the government formation in Balochistan.

The participants of the meeting said the PML-N should receive more important ministries and adviser slots in the Balochistan cabinet.

Some of them expressed their reservations over the inclusion of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) in the provincial government.

Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar has already convened a session of the new provincial assembly on Feb 28.

As per the schedule, the newly elected members of the Balochistan Assembly will take oath during the maiden session of the provincial legislature.

The outgoing speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali, will preside over the session and swear in the newly elected MPAs.

After the new MPAs are sworn in, the schedule for the election of the provincial legislature’s speaker and deputy will be announced.