PML-N ends boycott of Balochistan cabinet

Published March 19, 2014
PML-N Balochistan chief Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, flanked by CM Baloch speaks to journalists in Quetta on Wednesday night. – Photo by author
PML-N Balochistan chief Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, flanked by CM Baloch speaks to journalists in Quetta on Wednesday night. – Photo by author

QUETTA: After three days of tiresome negotiations, ruling Baloch nationalist group National Party (NP) persuaded its coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to end the boycott of Balochistan cabinet and the provincial assembly.

PML-N Balochistan chief Nawab Sanaullah Zehri had announced boycott of the provincial assembly in view of what he claimed growing reservations of his party's legislators.

“We have decided to end the boycott of Balochistan cabinet,” Nawab Sanaullah Zehri told a belated emergency press conference on Wednesday night.

The PML-N legislators complained that Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch was ignoring them in terms of development projects, transfers and postings across the province.

“We will address all reservations of our colleagues,” Dr Baloch told reporters when asked about PML-N legislators’ complaints.

The Chief Minister however said, “I believe in decentralisation rather than centralissation.” He assured the PML-N legislators that all out efforts would be made by his government to take them into confidence in future with regards to decisions relating to Balochistan.

“I do not want to snatch powers from any legislator,” the chief minister said while assuring the PML-N regarding their reservations and apprehensions. He said his government was striving for the development of the province and that he wants transparency in all sectors.

Nawab Sanaullah Zehri stated that they support Dr Malik Baloch and were determined to development and prosperity of Balochistan. PML-N boycott had coerced Chief Minister Baloch to cancel scheduled cabinet meeting on Monday.

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