ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after consulting his allies has nominated provincial president of PML-N Nawab Sanaullah Zehri as the next chief minister of Balochistan.

"Balochistan is close to my heart and I expect he will ensure peace and security. The federal government will extend full support to him in developing Balochistan," a statement issued by the Prime Minister House said.

"We have handed the chief ministership to PML-N as agreed to in the Murree Accord. It is now up to the PML-N to nominate the next chief minister. In the next couple of day Dr Malik Baloch will tender his resignation. With thanks, we are ready to quit the post of the chief executive of Balochistan," president of the National Party, Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo told DawnNews.

Read: Unopposed, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch elected CM Balochistan

Dr Abdul Malik Baloch was elected unopposed to the position of Chief Minister Balochistan in June 2013.

Under the ‘Murree Accord’, Dec 4 this year was supposed to be the last day of Dr Malik Baloch as chief minister, following which a Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) nominee was to take over for the next two-and-a-half years.

Also read: Rocket fired at residence of PML-N's Nawab Zehri

Dialogue with angry Baloch leaders 'top priority'

Speaking to media men via telephone on Thursday, Zehri said that maintaining law and order situation and initiating dialogue with exiled Baloch leaders were his top priorities.

The ruling PML-N nominee for the slot of chief minister said that Nawaz Sharif would be consulted in this regard.

"I have already met Khan of Kalat Mir Suleiman Dawood in London and will also like to carry the talks process with Brahamdagh Bugti forward, " said Zehri.

Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has been targeted in several attacks in the past. His brother, son, and nephew were killed in a powerful blast in Khuzdar district of Balochistan just a month prior to the May 11, 2013 general elections.

Editorial

US aggression
Updated 23 Jun, 2025

US aggression

If there is any state in the world that the international community must be concerned about harbouring weapons of mass destruction, it is Israel.
Finishing the job
23 Jun, 2025

Finishing the job

THE federal health minister’s assertion of a 99pc reduction in polio cases in Pakistan, while impressive on the...
Exam leaks
23 Jun, 2025

Exam leaks

FOR students who put in countless hours of hard work for their secondary school exams — mainly to secure admission...
‘Hybrid’ talk
22 Jun, 2025

‘Hybrid’ talk

IN the past, while most elected governments would at least publicly bristle at the mention of being partners in ...
Farcical nomination
Updated 22 Jun, 2025

Farcical nomination

Many citizens have expressed dismay and embarrassment over this symbolic capitulation to the US presidency.
Sunken dreams
22 Jun, 2025

Sunken dreams

THE heartrending fate of people escaping conflict, deprivation and instability across the globe is among the...