November 28, 2002	Thursday	Ramazan 22, 1423

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QUETTA, Nov 27: Negotiations between different parties and alliances in Balochistan have remained inconclusive so far as no group could muster the support required for the formation of a coalition government.

Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-i-Azam) is the largest group in the provincial assembly with 21 members and Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal is second with 18 MPAs in the house of 65.

Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement emerged as third largest group as its three component parties have 11 members.

The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy and the National Alliance have six members each.

At least 33 members’ support is needed for the formation of government in the province and the PML-Q is enjoying the support of 28 members, including six of the NA and one of the Balochistan National Democratic Party.

Negotiations were under way between the MMA, Ponam and the ARD but non of the smaller groups announced support for the MMA. Some parties have demanded change of the MMA’s parliamentary leader. However, Pakhtoonkhawa Milli Awami party, having five members in the assembly, has backed the MMA’s parliamentary leader, Maulana Abdul Wasay.

Jamhoori Watan Party Secretary-General Khuda-i-Noor held talks with Ponam and the MMA leaders on Wednesday.

He later told Dawn that negotiation with the alliance did not mean that the ARD or the JWP had closed their doors for further talks with other groups, including the PML-Q. “We are negotiating with all parties and groups,” he said.

According to sources, the ARD also held its meeting on Wednesday night at Bugti House to discuss the election of leader of the house, speaker and deputy speaker.