Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Balochistan President Sardar Sanaullah Zehri said in the wake of the 18th amendment, the power to decide on the chief minister resided with the province, and since his party was the single largest one in Balochistan, the future chief minister should be from amongst its ranks.
Talking to reporters at Quetta airport on his return from Lahore and in the presence of Nawabzada Changaiz Marri, another candidate for the top slot of the province, Zehri said the decision on Balochistan chief minister would be taken soon while the assembly session summoned for Saturday was only for oath taking of the newly elected members of the assembly.
He further said the matter was discussed in detail with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif who was fully updated on all issues.
Dispelling the impression about any division in PML-N’s ranks over the coveted position, he said there were no differences among party leaders and assembly members, adding that everyone was united and trusted each other.
“Whoever will be chief minister would be a consensus candidate,” Zehri said.
He said all parties supported the idea that a people’s government should be formed which works for public interest. He said the party would make the important decision after pondering over all aspects.
Responding to a question over nomination of National Party’s (NP) Dr Abdul Malik Baloch for the top slot of the province, Zehri said if Nawabzada Changaiz Marri supported Dr Malik, he had no objection.
Meanwhile, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, the joint nominee of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and NP for Balochistan CM said a tripartite alliance with PML-N had decided to form a ruling coalition in Balochistan, adding that a final decision on the chief minister would be made by the PML-N’s central leadership.
Talking to media personnel on Friday at Quetta airport, Dr Malik Baloch said his name was nominated by his party’s ally PkMAP for the top slot, however it was the prerogative of Nawaz Sharif to take a final decision.
He said that the NP and PkMAP leadership met Nawaz Sharif in Lahore and presented their point of view regarding government formation in Balochistan.
He said Sharif’s decision on the chief minister-designate would be acceptable to all parties of the alliance.
Responding to a question, he said he would try to live up to the expectations of Nawaz Sharif, the people of the province and the allied parties if the responsibility of the province was handed over to him.
