Syed Ali Shah Analysis:
QUETTA:Â In the lead-up to the general elections in Balochistan, a myriad of influential candidates from various backgrounds are engaging in robust campaigns to secure victory on all fronts. From nationalists to religious figures and conservatives to progressives, candidates are tirelessly working to sway voters in their favor.
Notably, seven former chief ministers, including Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani, Jam Kamal Khan, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Mir Quddus Bizenjo, Sardar Saleh Bhootani, Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali, and Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, are actively participating in the electoral race, adding significant weight to the political landscape.
Maulana Fazal To Face Khushal Kakar And Zahoor Agha
A pivotal moment unfolded when Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (JUI), submitted his nomination papers for NA 265 Pishin. In a show of solidarity, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Chief of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), withdrew his nomination papers in support of Maulana. In reciprocation, JUI withdrew its candidate to back Achakzai on NA 263, setting the stage for a strategic contest.
Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, also the PDM Chief, faces competition from PTI’s candidate, Syed Zahoor Agha, and Khushal Khan Kakar, the Chief of Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP) on NA 265 Pishin. Despite the strong historical presence of his party in the constituency, the competition remains fierce.
Akhtar Jan Mengal Vying For Provincial And National Assembly Seats
Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, the Chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), is vying for seats in the provincial assembly Wadh and three national assembly constituencies. A strategic alliance between BNP and JUI F in Khuzdar adds an extra layer of complexity to the electoral landscape, pitting them against the National Party and BNP Awami.
Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief of the National Party (NP), is contesting elections in Turbat, facing competition from Syed Ehsan Shah of the BNP.
Chairman of the Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani, is in the electoral fray on PB-32 Dalbandin Chaghi. Competing against candidates from Pakistan Muslim League (N) and JUI F, Sanjrani is seen as a potential candidate for the chief ministerial position in Balochistan.
Sarfaraz Bugti Among Contenders For Position Of CM
Former caretaker interior minister Sarfaraz Bugti, now aligned with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is seeking election in his native town Dera Bugti. Bugti is among the contenders for the position of chief minister.
Given the historical challenges of bomb explosions and targeted killings during past elections, the Balochistan government is taking proactive measures by installing 8000 CCTV cameras to ensure the security and fairness of the electoral process in the province.
