PPP, PML-N Agree Sarfraz Bugti Will Continue as Balochistan Chief Minister; Cabinet Reshuffle Likely

QUETTA: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reportedly agreed to retain Mir Sarfraz Bugti as the Chief Minister of Balochistan, replacing the previously reported power-sharing arrangement under which the two parties were expected to lead the provincial government for two-and-a-half years each.

According to sources, the decision was made following high-level consultations between the leadership of the PPP and PML-N, who also agreed in principle to carry out a major reshuffle of the Balochistan cabinet.

Sources said Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will represent the PML-N, while Ijaz Khan Jakhrani will represent the PPP in consultations regarding the proposed cabinet changes.

The two leaders are expected to prepare a detailed report containing recommendations on possible changes to the provincial cabinet and submit it to their respective party leaderships. They have also agreed to hold a meeting to finalize the recommendations.

According to the sources, a final decision on the cabinet reshuffle will be taken after both parties’ leadership reviews and approves the recommendations.

The proposed changes may include reassigning portfolios of several ministers from both coalition partners, while some ministers could be removed from the cabinet based on their performance.

Sources further indicated that new ministers and advisers are also likely to be inducted into the provincial cabinet as part of the restructuring, resulting in a revised composition of the Balochistan government.

No official announcement has yet been made by either the PPP or the PML-N regarding the reported agreement or the proposed cabinet changes.