QUETTA: The central leader of the newly formed Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), former senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, has called the party’s first council session on May 11.

Speaking at the Quetta Press Club along with Senator Naseebullah Bazai on Wednesday, Mr Hashmi disclosed that Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and other senior politicians would join the party during the council meeting.

“We have scheduled our party’s council session for next month, during which Chief Minister Bizenjo, provincial ministers, three former chief ministers and veteran politicians of the province will join hands with us,” said Mr Hashmi.

BAP leaders claim CM Bizenjo, others will join party soon

He added that BAP’s officer-bearers would be elected at the session.

Responding to criticism the party had received, Mr Hashmi claimed leaders of nationalist and other parties were afraid of BAP’s popularity and saw it as a threat which was why they were opposing the formation of the new political party.

“We want to bring development and prosperity in the province,” he said, adding that they would stick to their party’s stance.

According to Senator Bazai, the chief minister was responsible for the PML-N disappearing from Balochistan.

“Despite being ignored by the party’s central leadership, I served the PML-N for 22 years but in the end I realised that they could not do anything for the betterment for the people of Balochistan,” he said.

“I have joined BAP because it has the potential to lead the province and provide the people with some relief,” he added.

Senator Bazai and 35 of his colleagues officially joined BAP on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2018