Malik justifies Arsalan Iftikhar's appointment in Balochistan Assembly

E-Paper | May 04, 2026

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch admitted to have appointed Arsalan Iftikhar, the son of former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, to a prominent position in the Balochistan Investment Board.

"I did appoint Arsalan Iftikhar to the Balochistan Investment Board," Dr Baloch said in response to questions raised by opposition benches regarding the widely politicised appointment during a session of the Balochistan Assembly on Saturday.

Opposition benches voiced concern over Arsalan's appointment. "How can a man involved in several corruption scandals be appointed to the Balochistan Investment Board, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, a legislator from opposition party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), lamented on the floor of the house during the session.

Responding to the member's questions, Dr Malik said: "Arsalan has been associated with Balochistan, if anyone has any apprehensions, he or she can speak to me."

Opposition benches opposed the appointment of Arsalan and urged the government to avoid what they called political bribe. "What forced the government to appoint such a controversial personality," Sardar Khetran asked.

Justifying the appointment, the Chief Minister said it was not an easy job to bring investment in Balochistan which is plagued by attacks launched by Baloch separatists and other sectarian outfits for more than a decade.

Arsalan Ifikhar is the son of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary who remained advocate general, justice and chief justice of the Balochistan High Court prior to his elevation to the apex court of Pakistan.

Also read: Arsalan Iftikhar gets top post in investment board

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Syed Ali Shah is DawnNews' Quetta bureau chief.

He tweets @alishahjourno

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Farooq

Jun 28, 2014 04:48pm

What a joke. Blatant disrespect toward common man's intelligence. Basically, the appointment implies that the government in Power believes they can openly do imcompetent and irrelelvant appointments for political favors and the public will continue to digest it.

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Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 04:49pm

Imran Khan was Right because this proves that Chief Justice Iftikar Chaudry was involved in election rigging and in reward his son got appointed in Balochistan Investment Board.

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M.M.Sherazi

Jun 28, 2014 04:52pm

Even though, the charges of corruption were filed against Arsalan but none of the charges were proven, accused cannot be termed as guilty unless proven so, the appoint has been justified by the CM by stating the fact that Arsalan belongs to Balochistan, hence has been appointed on the top slot. The politicians opposing exercises shall continue to prevail as and when they fine any capable person being appointed to the right place.

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Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 04:52pm

Highly disappointing. A person who cant speak and understand Balochi language will lead a highly important position in Baluchistan. How the Government of 'Twin brothers' will justify these appointments? How can we convince Balochi separation fighters to come to negotiation table? How can we save Baluchistan?

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Arif Khan.

Jun 28, 2014 04:53pm

When Nawaz orders verbally, Malik has no guts to refuse!

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Ali Khan

Jun 28, 2014 04:55pm

My CV is stronger than this guy. Can they ask me to take this position on volunteer base? I will not take any salary. There is also no corruption case on me unlike this guy? So Dear CM what you think?

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Fuad

Jun 28, 2014 04:58pm

All the best to new VC! For starters lets see if the new VC can lure Bahria Town to Invest in suburbs of Quetta!

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K Alam

Jun 28, 2014 05:04pm

Shame on You Mr. Malik for this nonsense justification, i considered you a credible CM but alas you also proved me wrong. what a justification his father held important posts "so his son is eligible for a crucial post"

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Tayyab

Jun 28, 2014 05:08pm

This is unbelievable!

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arshad khan

Jun 28, 2014 05:10pm

shall wait from the chief minister the correct detail of investment brought by most corrupt person in the times to come, I cant understand why other parties have not spoken against MR Arslan .

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Amjad Wyne

Jun 28, 2014 05:19pm

It may not be an easy job but suggesting that only one particular criminal out of 180million Pakistanis could do the job is suspicious too.

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Sohrab

Jun 28, 2014 05:31pm

What a bunch of fools or cowards the members of the Balochistan assembly, if they were to accept this nomination. Responding to the member's questions, Dr Malik said: "Arsalan has been associated with Balochistan, if anyone has any apprehensions, he or she can speak to me.".....that sure is a veiled threat. If I were a member, I would call him out on this. Shame to the person and the prime minister of making such a deal, shame to the legislators who will just have meetings and do nothing and shame to the people if they ever vote such legislators to power again.

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ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 05:32pm

poor justiication

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Ishrat salim

Jun 28, 2014 05:34pm

And how is Arsalan going to bring investment in Baluchistan, when all in the govt has tried to do so...does he has a magic wand ? Very unappealing justification.....unless security situation improves, only then investment can be expected....this is the situation all over the country, not only confined to Baluchistan...I mean, why any controversial person is always considered for top jobs ?

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Justice4all

Jun 28, 2014 05:36pm

What qualification Arsalan posses to bring investment in Balochistan as per CM justification for his controversial appointment. Just review how FDI turned vietnam from worlds poorest country to asian tiger. No one has the time to research instead belief appointing individuals could bring revolution.

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atif

Jun 28, 2014 05:42pm

corrupt justifying other corrupts

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Dr Nadim

Jun 28, 2014 05:47pm

I did not read any justification in the whole article. Even the chief minister himself was unablr to justify Arsalan's appointment. He said anybody who has any concerns can talk to him privately. He will only tell them he had orders from the top (Nawaz Sharif)

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Shahid

Jun 28, 2014 05:48pm

What a bunch of jokers. Back to pre-historic times. Ex-CJ Iftekhar Chaudhry must speak out now to clarify if he is in anyway involved with this appointment.

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Ibrahim

Jun 28, 2014 05:53pm

Initially there were hopes that the chief minister would be a stong, transparent leader, however the short history that we see is leading us to think otherwise. This young man, Arsalan, is famous for his alleged massive corruption scandals. His father's notorious role in the judiciary is also well known. It is like appointing the goat, as the gardener.

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nabidad

Jun 28, 2014 05:54pm

What a shameful statement of Dr.Abdul Malik.

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Shan

Jun 28, 2014 05:58pm

Well, the present regime is no doubt trying hard to stay as long as possible. All these appointments and postings are being used to pacify influential people in thhe country. This appointment is one of them. Baloach CM has acted on the behest of N-League. It is a reward to support and work for N-League, and to support the decisions and ongoing corruption through judiciary. The judiary is still under influence of Ch Iftikhar through his juniours and peers.

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Aahmed

Jun 28, 2014 06:05pm

The minister did not answer how the man qualifies for the job?

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Salma

Jun 28, 2014 06:05pm

"Arslan has been associated to Balochistan" what a qualification. Dr. Malik couldn't find a better reason? These politicians are a rare breed of human race and they will do anything to justify their corrupt ways. In a just society, Arslan, Justice Iftekhar and Dr. Malik would be behind the bars for this appointment. Iftekhar and Arslan for persuing illegal means to get the appointment and Malik for doing it. What a shame!

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Aurang

Jun 28, 2014 06:21pm

All compromised from top to bottom!

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Muhammed Ali

Jun 28, 2014 06:26pm

@ahmed ...Yes the crooks looking after the crooks..only in Pakistan.

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Imran

Jun 28, 2014 06:31pm

Gift of punctures from nawaz sharif as stated by IK

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Shahpur

Jun 28, 2014 06:34pm

A Nation Corrupt to the Core.

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akif

Jun 28, 2014 06:35pm

Pathetic justification. Sawal gandum, jawab chana

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S Chaudhury

Jun 28, 2014 06:44pm

@ahmed Not poor justification but disgrace & shame on the integrity of this man. They seems to be visionless leaders

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Bilal

Jun 28, 2014 06:47pm

Arsalan Iftikhar is corrupt. The word 'merit' should be taken out from the dictionaries in Pakistan, this word has committed suicide.

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S Chaudhury

Jun 28, 2014 06:48pm

Shameful decision. It shows corruption everywhere in this government. musharraf was to starts investigation against this disgraced ex CJ & his son. It clearly is a reward for rigging last year election in favour of Shariffs & their cronies

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rasheed khan

Jun 28, 2014 06:50pm

well done mr. malik arsalan should have been given more big post

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Tariq Masud

Jun 28, 2014 06:51pm

"Azaad Adlia" and "Jamuriat ka hussan" two most misused terms extensively used by media in recent years, thoroughly exposed. Shame, and biggest shame on Iftikhar Ch, you remained corrupt even when nation gave you another chance. Unbelievable, disgraceful, distasteful and stupid move. Even Zardari looks dwarf standing next to Iftikhar Ch.

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AJamal

Jun 28, 2014 06:52pm

This is broad daylight robbery. His main expertise is corruption.

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Jun 28, 2014 07:14pm

Dr. Malik, if you are reading Dawn comments -- you have shoot in your own foot. What on earth you were thinking when such a controversial figure you choose for investment board. This man was tainted with such a large scale scandal - almost brought down the CJ - now you choose him to ruin your own reputation too. Sir, it seems - with all due respect - you resign from CM and quit politics - no sane person with credibility will any longer believe in you -- No justification what so ever - if his father was CJ - so people have reward his son -- which law provide such remedy - if you really wanted to reward - must have appointed retired CJ himself - or given the CJ some plot in Gawadar -- people would have appreciated your act of kindness -- but appointing a tainted person on investment board - Alas ! beat all logics -- do i want to invest my hard earned dollars in Balochistan now?

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awais

Jun 28, 2014 07:17pm

simply unbelievable ...God help this country

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Adeeb

Jun 28, 2014 07:22pm

Is this the price, for the justice sold by his father?

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Shaheen

Jun 28, 2014 07:25pm

This man deserves the post; he is PhD in corruption and jiggery-pokery.

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Anarchist

Jun 28, 2014 07:26pm

Folks, we can not elect same people again and again, and expect different results. Also, no point in complaining. Provincial government in Baluchistan is also a creation of PML-N for those who forgot.

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Anarchist

Jun 28, 2014 07:27pm

Why do not Mr. Malik resign and make Arslan CM?

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syed wasim haider

Jun 28, 2014 07:29pm

Are u inviting investments tagged with corruption???

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NotTappi

Jun 28, 2014 07:41pm

All seven of my compatriots are either Arsalanites themselves too or are only making a show of their concerns in typical Pakistani fashion. The CM, Dr. Malik has proved to be really astute in this case. Who else but an allegedly crooked person will be able to produce equally likeminded 'investors' to reap benefits for their ill-gotten gains out of a crumbling Balochistan? In the CM's place, I would also hold on to Daddy Chaudhary as the Ombudsman-in-waiting for any investment/share-out disputes that will undoubtedly arise in times ahead. Can't one also discern the approaching Bahria Complex on the horizon?! Cheer up folks, they are only endeavouring to stay on course, while you and I shed our crocodile tears!

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Tablabshab

Jun 28, 2014 07:42pm

Malik sab is also considering Mr.Arslan giving rishta aswell

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Danial

Jun 28, 2014 07:43pm

I really wonder why people keep voting for the same people despite such obvious abuse of power, corruption, political revenge etc. Pakistani politicians are less mature than 5 year old kids.

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Ali hashmi

Jun 28, 2014 07:44pm

So what Mr. Malik is saying that this corrupt individual can bring investment through his corrupt channels so he also can get his share....shame on you guys......Democracy is the best revenge against AWAM.....this is written in our corrupt politician's dictionaries.

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Ali Hashim

Jun 28, 2014 07:50pm

If I remember correctly Imran Khan was was an ardent supporter of the CJ. What changed- no payback?

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iftikhar

Jun 28, 2014 07:51pm

Shame on those who voted for these politicians because you can't expect better than this from sheef's tola.

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zafar

Jun 28, 2014 07:57pm

@Ali Khan You are so right. There could be hundreds if not thousands of Pakistanis more qualified to hold this position. Though the question is - "Do you have a high up anywhere in the government who can come in handy in times of need or done so in the past?"

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Kirther

Jun 28, 2014 07:59pm

There is massive corruption and antistate activities going on in Pakistan under PML-N government, this is just one example but hopefully soon Pakistani's will realize it and wake-up to save their motherland.

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Ali

Jun 28, 2014 08:01pm

CM saheb, with all the natural resources that baluchistan has, if you still cannot attract investment on your own, then you are incompetent. Please step down immediately and go back to high school. You missed an important lesson of supply and demand. Shame on your incompetency, corrupt decision making and your desire to please your bosses at all cost. So ironic that you say in the assembly to talk to you in private if any issues. You are a public appointed servant, custodial of Pakistani wealth think before you talk. Is that too much to ask for? General Musharrafs action agains terrorists of lal masjid, Baluchistan thugs and corrupt judges all speak volumes. Not all this man did was right, but he gets my vote for doing most things right for Pakistan. A sad Pakistani.

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nadeem

Jun 28, 2014 08:02pm

This is nawaz shrif decision not malik decision please get it.

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Syed Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 08:24pm

Arsalan Iftikhar a medical graduate by virtue of 'Dhakka' has been appointed honorary vice-chairman of the Balochistan Investment Board. His credentials does not commensurate with the prized post . He is also involved in several corruption scandals and one of his graft case is still pending in the supreme court. My son who was a commercial pilot and Masters in Business Administration, major in finance, and no corruption cases against him would have been a better candidate. Why Arsalan Iftikhar?

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Kamran

Jun 28, 2014 08:28pm

Mr. CM, you will have to work hard to find just a single person in Pakistan who would like the face of this person. Don't destroy your image for the pleasure of Sharifs.

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Avery

Jun 28, 2014 08:44pm

No hope for Pakistan :(

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tnemeganam

Jun 28, 2014 08:49pm

It seems crooks never retire from the scene.

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Mehreen Rehman, Barrister & Solicitor

Jun 28, 2014 08:50pm

I would like to know the credentials of Mr. Arsalan for this post? Was this post advertised and how he fulfills the criteria, if any other than being son of a former chief justice of Balochistan High court? I would also like to know how many other former chief justices sons/daughters were appointed to senior posts because of their parents and not merit?

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Shakil Khan

Jun 28, 2014 09:02pm

with a shabby MBBS degree, history of making millions without any business, its enough credentials to make him investment head. He is capable of making under table deals for kick backs, thats all it takes to invite investment for mega mining and other projects in Balochistan! His father didnt take suo motos for such investments for no reason! as he wasnt paid his cut!

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Norozkhan

Jun 28, 2014 09:04pm

C/ M Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik cheated the Baloch nation by appointing Arsalan Iftikhar son of former chief justice to a prominent position in the Balochistan Investment Board. This appears to be the greatest conspiracy to sell mineral assets of Balochistan worth hundreds of billions of dollars. It is huge bribe game , next Government will be powerless once the lease agreements are signed to foreign companies for 99 years. Wake up guys , where is Ali Ahmed Kurd and other Baloch leaders, people of Balochistan must react before it is too late.

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Jun 28, 2014 09:06pm

@Ali : This CM is a case of conscious incompetence- he lost all respect by now.

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Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 09:23pm

You got to be kidding me.

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Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 09:25pm

@K Alam : Since Obama is the president of US for 8 yr now his daughters would be secretary of state

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Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 09:27pm

@Salma What a shame ; but only for people who are shameful

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Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 09:28pm

@Anarchist Please don't give them ideas, they may just do that....No one challenge anybody.

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Lucky Star

Jun 28, 2014 09:29pm

@Ahmed When u accuse someone based on logical statements, u are either wrong or u are right. If u are wrong u committed a sin.

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Lucky Star

Jun 28, 2014 09:37pm

Imran is a leader of U-Turns who accuses others day and night to look good. But he does not think before making accusations that if he is wrong he might be committing sins. Only problem I have with Imran is that he follows politics of confrontation. This is neither good for him nor good for the ruling party who is trying to solve national problems and ultimately not good for Pakistan.

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AJamal

Jun 28, 2014 09:44pm

Mr CM. My father and grandfather did great service to Balochistan. I should be made Chairman of BOI though I am a commoner.

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Syed Ahmed

Jun 28, 2014 09:50pm

@nadeem You have hit the nail on its head. This facilities Nawaz Sharif to prosecute Dr. Tahir ul Qadri through the good offices of Arslan's father who still has a good repo in the apex court.

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Jun 28, 2014 09:52pm

So basically the justification given by the CM for appointment of corrupt person in provincial govt is that a corrupt person is best suited to attract investment in Balochistan. If this was the logic used, then there were a lot more "qualified" people available, why Arsalan Iftikhar?

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Harmony

Jun 28, 2014 09:56pm

It goes without saying

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Aik Paki

Jun 28, 2014 10:13pm

@Danial Just a correction, they don't get vote of the people's RO (CJP's own judges) cast votes on behalf of the people of Pakistan.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Jun 28, 2014 10:18pm

This is the worst and criminal justification I have ever heard. Al Capone, the Mafia Boss in Chicago ( USA) had brought and generated several large business enterprises, namely gambling, prostitution and book making. Was he a good man. Arsalan Chaudhry will bring investors with shady past or criminal background. He will be presiding over a money launders team. Nawaz Sharif is still in coma and will not wake up until he has destroyed the republic. I can bet any thing that this is pay off of the favors he got from the old man.

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sazo

Jun 28, 2014 10:30pm

It must be the joke of the day, If Balochistan is badly in need of investment how Arsalan can attract foreign investors. Is he a business tycon or just a notorious son of a notorious judge?

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Shan Ali Khan

Jun 28, 2014 10:33pm

The only qualification is being the son of CJP hehe... Merit at its best only in Pakistan!! Nothing will stop Pakistan now Pakistan will become a world super power hehe...

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khalid Ahmad

Jun 28, 2014 10:44pm

@Ali .Now we miss Pervez Musharaf.

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khalid Ahmad

Jun 28, 2014 10:46pm

Height of incompetence and corruption. No words can describe what's going on in Pakistan under the kingdom of Sharif family.

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M Rafique

Jun 28, 2014 11:18pm

Malik saheb as your admirer, first I don't expect such an appointment from you and secondly defending it on illogical ground

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Qamer Uddin

Jun 28, 2014 11:27pm

I thought Mr. Baloch is man of principle but u made us wrong. U are giving justification for corrupt person,...... shame on u

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Ahmer

Jun 29, 2014 12:01am

A simple case of quid pro quid.

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Norozkhan

Jun 29, 2014 12:29am

Chief Minister Dr.Abdul Malik cheated the Baloch nation by appointing Arsalan Iftikhar son of former chief justice to a prominent position in the Balochistan Investment Board. This is certainly a conspiracy to sell mineral assets of Balochistan worth hundreds of billions of dollars. It is huge corruption game , contracts are not reversible once the lease agreements are signed to foreign companies. Wake up Balochistan , where is Ali Ahmed Kurd and where are other activists and nationalists, people of Balochistan must react before it is too late.

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Rizwan

Jun 29, 2014 12:31am

A person who has been in cashing his father will now bring investment what a joke .

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Sohail

Jun 29, 2014 12:43am

Disgusting

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Bilal

Jun 29, 2014 12:50am

His father grilled Army and FC for disappearances and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan. That is where Pml-n got soft corner for this guy.

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Shan

Jun 29, 2014 01:39am

@Farooq Public has to digest all such appointments. In Pakistan when a party wins the election it feels freedom to play with the destiny of public for next five years.

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A True Fact

Jun 29, 2014 02:48am

Einstein described insanity as doing the something over and over again and expecting a different result every time ..our nation has crossed the thresholds of insanity after voting in PPP and PMLN N thrice to power...

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Omar

Jun 29, 2014 05:19am

I can't even laugh in disgust nor do i have tears to shed for my poor country.

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Amir Bangash

Jun 29, 2014 11:25am

He is here to watch you Malik.

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Mushtaq Awan

Jun 29, 2014 10:46pm

PML(N) Govt given an opportunity to Worth CM Dr Abul Malik Baloch. Now in response this appointment is justified.

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Abdul Malik

Jun 30, 2014 07:36am

@Ali Khan Excellent comment! but my friend do you really believe that this CM or for that matter any CM would even think of considering your CV? These people are all subservient to their powers to be. By appointing Arsalan, they are making mockery of themselves.

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Jun 30, 2014 11:23am

@w. Very well said. No need to say more.

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Khan

Jun 30, 2014 12:19pm

What special powers and qualities Arsalan has other than he is the son of Ex Chief Justice and that he has cheated Malik Raiz of his couples of crores. I think it would be wise to appoint Malik Raiz as the Vice President of the Board of Investment as he would invest his own billions of Rupees which he has made out of his business of grabbing government lands and selling them the people.

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Khan

Jun 30, 2014 12:24pm

@Ahmed Ex Chief Justice remained in power for many years and became a hero only on papers but in reality did nothing except point scoring.His son took money from the most corrupt man of Pakistan Malik Raiz .This Malik Raiz gave money to everybody including Zardari ,Nawaz SHarif and Shebaz Sharif. Who would arrest him?

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azeem khalid

Jun 30, 2014 05:45pm

Balochistan is the key to stability in Pakistan. it is requested to not to make a joke of it. Govern it, dont play with it. It is really very shameful appointment by Dr. Abdul Malik baloch. Arslaan Iftikhar is the one proof of Ex-CJ's malpractices. Before this appointment Arsalaan was also a part of a big bribery scandal which was investigated "partially" by Shoaib Suddle. This news is also telling that Dr. Malik is not able to justify his act of appointing Arslaan Iftikhar at the key position.

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parveez

Jun 30, 2014 10:26pm

The problem is the system we have It allows corrupt people to come to power and their families will take advantage. Our public are to blame for putting up with these politicians. DON'T CRY OUT FOR A REVALOUTATION GO OUT THERE AND CREATE ONE

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Shazaib

Jun 30, 2014 10:47pm

@M.M.Sherazi Please enlighten all here with his capabilities that make him justifiable appointment.

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Shazaib

Jun 30, 2014 10:49pm

@K Alam Degree degree hot hi And Appointment anointment hot hi (it can be any one through political reward)

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Irfan Reayat

Jul 01, 2014 02:18am

Father has monopolized the Supreme Court and the Son will now monopolize the Investment Board.

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