File photo of PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif and brother Shahbaz Sharif. PHOTO: TMN/FILE
In a major breakthrough, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and National Party (NP) have agreed to form a coalition government in Balochistan.
This will be the smallest coalition government in the province since the one led by Sardar Ataullah Mengal in 1972. That particular govt, a two-party coalition between the defunct National Awami Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam only ruled for nine months.
The latest coalition was announced in a press conference on Friday by PML-N Provincial President Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, NP President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, and PkMAP leader Akram Shah.
“For the future of the people of Balochistan, the three parties have unanimously decided to form a government,” said Akram Shah, adding that the leader of the house would be chosen from the PML-N.
He said the biggest challenge to the provincial government would be the law and order situation in Balochistan.
“The coalition government would try its best to provide security and relief to the people,” he said.
“The coalition government will not deviate an inch from the constitutional dictates,” said PML-N’s Nawab Sanaullah Zehri.
The size of the upcoming government in Balochistan is expected to be small, much to the disappointment of lawmakers aspiring to take up ministerial posts.
Part of this is due to the restrictions placed on cabinet size by the 18th amendment.
The media talk was brief and leaders of the three parties avoided answering questions regarding the exact mechanisms they will employ to improve law and order.
They also refrained from disclosing the name of Balochistan chief minister.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2013.
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PML-N should take representative parties from Baluchistan on board to make strong government in province. It will help persuade disgruntled Balochi leadership to return to mainstream politics.