FORMER Prime Minister and PMLN Supremo Nawaz Sharif has gathered confidence of the leaders of the National Party (NP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) to gain their support. He, in a significant move ahead of the 8 February general election, has garnered support from more than thirty electables in Balochistan, including former Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has advised the PML-N supremo to concentrate on Lahore instead of Balochistan. All mainstream political parties have been flexing their muscles to gain support from Balochistan but the PML-N has succeeded in winning the alliance and cooperation of the electables in the province. The former ruling party can emerge as the largest parliamentary party in Balochistan after the joining of key electables from the province, it ruled after 2013’s general elections.
The PML-N’s engagement with JUI-F, NP, PKMAP and BAP, coupled with support from key electables, positions the party favourably to secure significant backing in the forthcoming general elections. The NP and PKMAP, two nationalist parties, had previously formed an alliance with the PML-N post 2013 elections, solidifying their association during Dr Abdul Malik Baloch’s tenure as Balochistan Chief Minister.Significant figures from the former ruling party BAP, including Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, Muhammad Khan Lehri, Mir Ghafoor Lehri, Noor Muhammad Dumar, Toor Uthmankhail, Sardar Masood Luni, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Hassani, Mir Mujeeb ur Rehman Muhammad Hassani, Saleem Khan Khoso, Mir Shoaib Nowsherwani, Dostain Khan Domki, Rameen Muhammad Hassani and others, announced their allegiance to the PML-N.
Despite having a majority in the House, the PML-N had decided to appoint Dr Baloch as the Chief Minister of Balochistan. However, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri was elected as the CM for the remaining period. Later, Zehri was removed through a vote of no-confidence by Mir Quddus Bizenjo and the BAP was established inflicting serious harm to the PML-N. No delegation from the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) called on the former premier. These meetings clearly indicate party positions in the upcoming general election in Balochistan. Nawaz Sharif highlighted the completion of the 650-kilometre road from Gwadar to Quetta, which significantly reduced travel time from two days to a mere eight hours. Nawaz Sharif expressing his dedication to the Balochistan’s progress, emphasised that development of this province has always been dear to PML-N. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure initiatives, such as the extensive road network spanning thousands of kilometres, aimed at alleviating poverty and backwardness in the region.
He spotlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the York-Sago Zhob Highway, connecting it with N-50. He also highlighted details of various road projects, including those from Basima to Khuzdar and Kharan, as well as the collaboration with Japan for the Rakhi Gaj to Bewata road, linking northern Balochistan with South Punjab. If the work continues, delayed Kalat, Quetta, Chaman, Khuzdar, Karachi Dorvia (N-25) project, will be completed within the next two to three years. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made during the road’s construction, with more than 40 people being killed in development works. He also reminisced about the foundation laying of key roads connecting southern Balochistan with Sindh in 1998 – 99. He credited his government for the initiation of projects like Hakla and DI Khan Road, which experienced a four-year stall before being resumed by former PM Shehbaz Sharif.
He cited educational advancements, with thousands of students from Balochistan and former tribal areas receiving scholarships and the establishment of university campuses in various cities. Despite acknowledging the challenges, he reiterated his commitment to unity and inclusivity, pledging to strengthen relationships and cooperate with all stakeholders for the betterment of the region. The former prime minister drew attention to his government’s role in constructing the coastal highway in 1998-99 and the Gilgit-Skardu highway, completed at a cost of Rs62 billion. He also asserted that the journey of development initiated during his tenure was unfortunately interrupted after his removal. Touching upon broader achievements, the PML-N supremo claimed the successful elimination of terrorism, eradication of load-shedding and the initiation of over 400 small dams in Balochistan.
Before the return of PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif former President Asif Ali Zardari who is also the PPP Co-Chairman tried his level best to establish working equation with ever powerful Establishment but all in vain. He wrote a letter to Abdul Qaddoos Bazinjo and tried to basket Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) but besides some understanding between them, no formal agreement was reached. In response to Zardari’s letter Bazinjo in his letter to Asif Zardari declined to join hands with the PPP leadership. This indicated yet another future political landscape of the country. To foster political cooperation in future, all the political parties need to join hands. For the better future of country and the nation all the political leaders need to bury political hatchets, establish consensus and move ahead. Pakistan is facing serious gigantic issues. These issues can be resolved with collective wisdom. We need to learn lessons from Bangladesh, Iran and China. The way these countries have overcome their issues is eye opening.
—The writer is editor, book ambassador political analyst and author of several books based in Islamabad.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
