THE PML-N won the elections at the centre and in Punjab, while the PPP won in Sindh and the PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No party got a majority in Balochistan. Nawaz Sharif has said the country is facing crises, and for the elimination of poverty, inflation and loadshedding he will talk to other parties. It is good news that the threat of conspiracy has gone. Now power will be handed over to the parties with a majority.

This will open new opportunities to deliver. The PML-N won in Punjab, while the three provinces have complaints against the big brother. The PML-N is termed a party of Punjab because its vote bank is in Punjab. No doubt it has got a majority of seats in the National Assembly, but these … are from Punjab. Punjab being the biggest province of the country has more than 50pc of the seats of the National Assembly. A heavy responsibility lies on the PML-N to take along all the provinces with it. Balochistan is the main issue as the connection with this province is weakening day by day. This demands urgent and effective measures. Sindh has complaints of water and financial resources.

The PPP has got a majority in Sindh. During its last tenure the province sustained heavy losses. It has got an opportunity to compensate and repair the [damage]. The PPP’s claim that people have reposed trust in their governance by once again voting them into power is not correct. There were many reasons and causes which led to its victory. The policy of reconciliation was a major reason behind all the ills … As the PPP has once again got an opportunity to serve the people, it should not destroy the confidence of the people….—(May 13)

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.