Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: After more than one and a half months since Mir Sarfaraz Bugti took office as Chief Minister of Balochistan, the formation of the provincial cabinet is finally on the horizon. Shahid Rind, the spokesperson for the Government of Balochistan, announced on Wednesday evening that the Balochistan cabinet will be constituted within the next 48 hours.
Addressing the media, Rind emphasized that despite the delay, there are no significant differences, and the finalization process is well underway. “The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial in shaping the composition of the provincial cabinet,” he remarked, putting an end to speculations surrounding the long-awaited formation.
While Balochistan has been trailing behind other provinces like Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh in forming its cabinet, Rind assured that the wait is almost over.
Remarkably, the recent senate elections in Balochistan marked a historic milestone as horse trading was strictly prohibited for the first time. Rind hailed the unanimous agreement among treasury and opposition members to uphold ethical standards, ensuring uncontested elections and thwarting the unethical practices of vote buying.
“People across the political spectrum have applauded this initiative,” Rind stated, highlighting even the unexpected support from figures like former Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch for the consensus candidate, Mir Quddus Bizenjo.
However, tensions arose as the Pakistan Muslim League (N), a crucial ally of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Balochistan, demanded a significant share of 60 percent in the distribution of portfolios. This demand has been cited as one of the factors contributing to the delay in forming the cabinet.
Nevertheless, Rind dismissed reports of a deadlock between the coalition partners, reaffirming the commitment to resolving any outstanding issues swiftly and efficiently.
As Balochistan stands on the brink of forming its cabinet, anticipation grows among citizens and stakeholders alike for the dawn of a new era in provincial governance.
