Political deadlock remains in electing Balochistan CM

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QUETTA: Future ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has failed to develop consensus regarding nomination of leader of the house in Balochistan Assembly.

Former Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif failed to break the deadlock over the nomination of the future chief executive of Balochistan, which is under the grip of violence for the last 12 years.

Shahbaz Sharif held a one hour long meeting with Pashtun nationalist leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai to discuss ways and means for formation of future coalition government in the violence-stricken province on Sunday evening.

"We have decided in principle to form a three party alliance in Balochistan," Sharif told a crowed of reporters at a local hotel.

He said the alliance comprises of PML-N, Pakhtunkhwa (PkMAP) Milli Awami Party and National Party.

Sharif also had a detailed meeting with NP Chief Dr Malik Baloch and Senator Hasil Bizenjo regarding government formation in Balochistan.

The PML-N had nominated Nawab Sanaullah Zehri as the parliamentary leader in Balochistan Assembly the other day. He is considered to be a strong candidate for the slot of chief minister.

However, Nawabzada Jangaiz Marri, an elected MPA from Kohlu, former Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali and the NP Chief Dr Malik Baloch, are also strong candidates for the CM slot.

Nawab Zehri was able to get the support of around 20 MPAs to become the future chief executive of the province.

However, the central command of PML-N directed him to ignore previous allies including the JUI-F, BNP (Awami) and Pakistan Muslim League (Q). Mian Nawaz Sharif has given clear instructions to the provincial chapter of the party to take National Party and PkMAP on board regarding the future set up.

The two Baloch and Pashtun nationalist parties currently have 17 members out of 51 general seats in the Balochistan Assembly.

They appear to be in a stronger position to form a government with future ruling PML-N.

Sources inside NP told Dawn.com that the future chief minister would be nominated after consultation with Mehmood Achakzai and Dr Malik Baloch.

"Nawaz Sharif has directed his party to take us on board in all affairs regarding formation of the government," they said.

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