QUETTA, June 12: A group of dissident ministers and MPAs of the Pakistan Muslim League has decided to work out a joint strategy in consultation with opposition parties regarding the provincial budget. The decision was taken at a meeting of the group presided over by Balochistan PML General Secretary Jaffar Khan Mandokhel.

Mr Mandokhel told journalists after the meeting that Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf has not fulfilled the promises he had made at the PML parliamentary party meeting last week.

He said no option was now left for the PML’s elected leaders but to consult the opposition because of the attitude of the chief minister.

He said the group had observed in the meeting that its members had no say in the preparation of the budget and the chief minister had not taken any step to solve their problems.

He said the government had failed to prepare the budget for the next financial year and it had not invited suggestions about development schemes from PML ministers and MPAs.

He said that the meeting was of the view that the situation was tarnishing the impression of the ruling party and its voters were disappointed.

Replying to a question, he said the group has not taken any decision regarding replacement of the leader of the house. “We have not considered in-house change so far,” Mr Mandokhel said.

He said the group wanted the party to be given its due status in the government as the major coalition partner.—Staff Correspondent