Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: In a strategic move, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has gained the support of over two dozen electables, including former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan, as part of his election strategy. During his two-day visit to Quetta, Sharif held crucial meetings with key political players, including the Baloch nationalist party National Party (NP), Jamiat ul Ulema Islam (JUI), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), aiming to secure their backing for the upcoming general elections.
Bilawal Suggests PML N To Focus On Lahore Instead Of Quetta
Sharif’s visit comes after Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), suggested that the PML-N leader focus on Lahore instead of Quetta. While all mainstream political parties vie for the support of electables in Balochistan, PML-N appears to have secured a significant share.
The inclusion of key electables from the former ruling party BAP, such as Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, Muhammad Khan Lehri, Mir Ghafoor Lehri, and others, strengthens PML-N’s position, potentially making it the largest parliamentary party in Balochistan.
Nawaz Gains the Support Of BAP, PKMAP, NP, and JUI
Notably, meetings with JUI-F, NP, PKMAP, and BAP indicate a strategic effort by PML-N to maximize support in Balochistan for the upcoming general elections. The NP and PKMAP, both nationalist parties, had an alliance with PML-N after the 2013 elections when Dr. Malik Baloch served as the Chief Minister of Balochistan for two and a half years.
Despite having a majority in the house, the PML-N decided to appoint Dr. Baloch as CM. However, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri took over for the remaining period, only to be removed through a vote of no confidence by Mir Quddus Bizenjo, leading to the establishment of BAP and dealing a blow to the PML-N.
As of this report, no delegation from the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) has contacted the former premier. These developments provide a clear snapshot of party positions in the upcoming general elections in Balochistan.
