Balochistan politics: Dr Abdul Malik’s nomination elicits mixed reaction
Barozai says CM’s nomination is a happy occasion for Balochistan.
Balochistan National Party – Awami rejected the collective verdict of the parties. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The nomination of Dr Abdul Malik as the chief minister of Balochistan has elicited mixed reaction from opposition parties in the province.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam–Fazl (JUI-F)’s spokesman Jan Achakzai said Dr Malik’s nomination was an “internal matter for the tri-parties alliance.” However, while speaking to The Express Tribune he said that “it would not be possible for the new government to run its affairs in a transparent manner.”
At the same time Jan Achakzai welcomed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s pledge to initiate a broad-based reconciliation process in the province which has been mired in sectarian, tribal, ethnic and extremist violence.
Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal said the pressing issue in the province is not the appointment of a chief minister or governor. The real issue was the mindset of the ruling elite.
Mengal said his party has not yet announced its future course of action, and it would be decided in the party’s general body meeting on Monday (today).
“The decision of the party members was commendable and I have no right to criticise it,” Mengal said, adding until there isn’t a strong government in place in Balochistan, the province’s problems would not be resolved.
He said during the reign of the caretaker set-up as many as 279 people were whisked away and 100 fell prey to targeted shootings.
“Can we then call this a victory of democracy?” Mengal questioned rhetorically.
On the other hand, Caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Barozai described Dr Malik’s nomination a happy occasion for the people of Balochistan.
Barozai said the Dr Malik-led government would be able to deliver the desired results to achieve peace in the province. “At least the next chief minister would not aggravate the dismal situation in the province,” he said, adding that people should hope for the best.
Former defence minister, and senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Naveed Qamar, said Dr Malik is “the best possible choice” for heading the coalition government in Balochistan.
“PML-N and PkMAP’s decision in favour of the NP leader would contribute to addressing issues of the Baloch,” Qamar said.
“PPP supports the combined decision of the three major parliamentary parties.”
Balochistan National Party – Awami rejected the collective verdict of the parties. The party said Malik was selected by those undemocratic forces who are responsible for the present day situation in the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2013.
The nomination of Dr Abdul Malik as the chief minister of Balochistan has elicited mixed reaction from opposition parties in the province.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam–Fazl (JUI-F)’s spokesman Jan Achakzai said Dr Malik’s nomination was an “internal matter for the tri-parties alliance.” However, while speaking to The Express Tribune he said that “it would not be possible for the new government to run its affairs in a transparent manner.”
At the same time Jan Achakzai welcomed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s pledge to initiate a broad-based reconciliation process in the province which has been mired in sectarian, tribal, ethnic and extremist violence.
Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal said the pressing issue in the province is not the appointment of a chief minister or governor. The real issue was the mindset of the ruling elite.
Mengal said his party has not yet announced its future course of action, and it would be decided in the party’s general body meeting on Monday (today).
“The decision of the party members was commendable and I have no right to criticise it,” Mengal said, adding until there isn’t a strong government in place in Balochistan, the province’s problems would not be resolved.
He said during the reign of the caretaker set-up as many as 279 people were whisked away and 100 fell prey to targeted shootings.
“Can we then call this a victory of democracy?” Mengal questioned rhetorically.
On the other hand, Caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Barozai described Dr Malik’s nomination a happy occasion for the people of Balochistan.
Barozai said the Dr Malik-led government would be able to deliver the desired results to achieve peace in the province. “At least the next chief minister would not aggravate the dismal situation in the province,” he said, adding that people should hope for the best.
Former defence minister, and senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Naveed Qamar, said Dr Malik is “the best possible choice” for heading the coalition government in Balochistan.
“PML-N and PkMAP’s decision in favour of the NP leader would contribute to addressing issues of the Baloch,” Qamar said.
“PPP supports the combined decision of the three major parliamentary parties.”
Balochistan National Party – Awami rejected the collective verdict of the parties. The party said Malik was selected by those undemocratic forces who are responsible for the present day situation in the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2013.