Strong Coalition Government in Balochistan Intact, No Power-Sharing Formula of Two-and-a-Half Years Holds Relevance: Saleem Khosa
QUETTA: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Balochistan parliamentary leader Mir Saleem Khan Khosa has said that a strong coalition government is functioning in the province and any two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula holds no significance. He also termed attempts to create division between Pashtun and Baloch communities as highly concerning.
He made these remarks while addressing a joint press conference at the Governor House Quetta, where Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, MNA Jamal Shah Kakar, provincial ministers Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Muhammad Khan Lehri, Nasim-ur-Rehman Mullahkhail, Hadida Nawaz Zar Mandokhail, and Parliamentary Secretary Barkat Rind were also present.
Saleem Khosa strongly condemned the bomb blast on a train near Chaman Phatak and said that law enforcement agencies will continue to play their constitutional role in protecting lives and property. He emphasized that all complex issues can only be resolved through the rule of law, as the government seeks a peaceful and just society.
Referring to a recent public gathering of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party in Chaman, he said that Mahmood Khan Achakzai is a senior political figure who has taken oath under the Constitution of Pakistan, but regretted that controversial statements were made during the rally. He alleged that calls for forming a private armed group and attempts to create division between Pashtun and Baloch communities are deeply alarming.
He further clarified that dual nationality is not allowed for Pakistani citizens, although people living in border areas are facing multiple issues that need to be addressed.
The PML-N leader said that the Baloch nation loves Pakistan and all political and constitutional struggles are being carried out within the framework of law.
Speaking about the provincial government, he said that a strong coalition government currently exists in Balochistan and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has made sincere efforts to take all coalition partners along.
Rejecting rumors about a change in government, he said that the two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula does not hold importance, and even if such an arrangement is discussed in the future, the final decision will rest with the federal government.
He added that the security situation in several areas of Balochistan remains serious, and the government’s top priority is ensuring lasting peace in the province.
He further said that most assembly members spent Eid in their native areas to restore public confidence. He added that elected representatives will strive to fulfill the trust placed in them by the people.
Saleem Khosa said that while Balochistan has historically faced allegations of corruption, the present government is actively working to eliminate corruption from its roots. He claimed that development activities are now taking place across all districts without discrimination.
He assured that efforts are being made in the upcoming provincial budget to ensure equitable distribution of development funds and resources across all districts and constituencies to address long-standing deprivation.
