Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has some degree of influence with the establishment, whereas his younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz, is "more subservient to the powers that be", said two politicians belonging to Balochistan's National Party (NP).
That is why, they said, the NP has to ask the elder brother to look into Balochistan's issues and even talk to his younger brother to use his position in the matter.
Talking to The Express Tribune, the NP leaders said they are aware of the fact that the PML-N is in power in the Center and indirectly also in Balochistan, given the fact that the Center has a lot of sway in the province.
They said approaching Nawaz, who is the head of the PML-N, would not have made any sense, if he too had been as subservient to the establishment as his younger brother. However, that is not the case.
One of the leaders said Nawaz Sharif can get things done as the establishment listens to him.
"Balochistan issue is a complex one. There are nuances that require taking a more a subtle approach. Nawaz has formulated a five-member committee, including the law minister, defence minister and planning and development minister and two of NP members to take things forward."
He said the government needs to get over with this "Indian-agent rhetoric" and ensure that it keeps its door open for everyone at all times. "After all, those who feel alienated are bound to look elsewhere. Why create these fault lines for India to exploit? he added.
A lawmaker also from the NP said this matter was even beyond Nawaz Sharif, but politically he is the only leader who can engage with the powers that be on the issue.
He said Balochistan was being milked for its resources by all the players and no one was working for its betterment. He said earlier people used only to fear the chieftains and feudal lords but now these powers have created a myriad of mafia that people fear.
He said the powers that be are making mistake after mistake. He said all political players and parties have been thrown out of the race in the 2024 elections and this will do no good. He said they have told Nawaz that they should not expect anything from the installed regime in the province.
"We have high hopes from Mian Nawaz Sharif. We expect that he will play his role in addressing the issue. The people of Balochistan see things differently than people living elsewhere, as we see what's happening while others see what they are shown," he added.
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