LAHORE, Nov 25: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali hoped that the PML-Q would be in a position to form government in Balochistan.

Talking to APP during his brief stopover at the Lahore airport on Monday evening on his way to the federal capital from Dera Bugti, he said he had constructive talks with Jamhoori Watan Party leader Nawab Akbar Bugti.

“Whenever I visit Nawab Sahib I never return empty-handed. He is an elder leader for whom I have great respect. I had visited him before and this morning I had another useful discussion on the future political government,” the prime minister, who was accompanied by parliamentary leader in National Assembly Chaudhry Shujaat Husain, said.

The prime minister said during his 90-minute parleys with the veteran Balochistan leader, the talks centred on the formation of a strong and viable government in the province.

“He is always kind and amiable and I am hopeful that he will support us,” said Jamali.

Of 51 general seats in Balochistan, PML-QA has nine, Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal 13, PPP two, National Alliance 4, Independents 7, JWP 4 and others 8 out of a house of 65 which also include 11 women seats and three non-Muslims.

The Balochistan Assembly is due hold its inaugural session on Thursday.

The prime minister said Nawab Bugti had called a party meeting on Tuesday to decide the line of action. “But I am optimistic that he will support us.”

The prime minister along with Chaudhry Shujaat Husain and party’s Balochistan head Jam Muhammad Yousaf participated in the discussion.

Mr.Jamali said Nawab Bugti had a very positive attitude. “I feel that he is going to support us. He assured us that wherever there is any problem, he will help Jam Sahib.”

The prime minister said he would be visiting Lahore formally on Saturday to meet the new Punjab leadership.

On arrival, the prime minister was received by Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool, PML-QA Punjab president Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Federal Labour and Manpower Minister Abdul Sattar Lalika, members of the Punjab cabinet, District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood and party leaders. He was presented bouquets by two children.

After his brief stopover, the prime minister left for Islamabad.