QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Quddus Bizenjo has said that he is optimistic about his group of like-minded lawmakers winning eight to nine seats in the Senate polls next month.

He rejected rumours of horse-trading and said that his group of like-minded lawmakers was in contact with all political parties for the purpose.

Talking to media personnel outside the Election Commission of Pakistan’s office here on Monday, where he went to be a guarantor for Senate candidate Shama Parveen Magsi, Mr Bizenjo said that his group was likely to win eight to nine seats in Senate polls.

“Speculations of horse-trading for Senate elections in Balochistan are baseless, and our 41 like-minded candidates will support independent candidates,” Mr Bizenjo said.

“Our group is in contact with all political forces to make an alliance for Senate polls, and independently elected Senate members will later announce as to which political party they will join,” the chief minister said.

Provincial Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Minister for Revenue Department Manzoor Kakar and Adviser to CM on Food Mir Zia Langove accompanied Mr Bizenjo during his visit to the ECP office.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2018