Nawab Changez Marri Denies Interest in Balochistan Chief Minister’s Post, Calls Meeting with President Zardari Routine

KARACHI: Member of the Balochistan Assembly Nawab Changez Marri has clarified that his recent meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari was a routine personal engagement and had no connection with the office of the Chief Minister of Balochistan. He also stated that he is not a candidate for the position.

According to sources close to Nawab Changez Marri, he shares a longstanding personal relationship with President Zardari, and the meeting was merely a customary exchange of greetings. They said it would be incorrect to associate the meeting with any political agenda.

The sources further revealed that Nawab Marri has been dealing with certain health issues and, for this reason, has neither any interest in nor aspirations for the chief minister’s office. They maintained that the matter was not discussed at any level during the meeting.

Rejecting speculation surrounding the meeting, the sources said reports suggesting political motives behind it are baseless. They also reiterated that the party leadership’s position regarding Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti is clear and that he will complete his constitutional term in office.

It may be recalled that President Asif Ali Zardari recently met members of the Pakistan Peoples Party from the Balochistan Assembly and emphasized the need for effective measures against terrorism and close cooperation with the security forces.

Provincial Health Minister Bakht Kakar and Provincial Minister Sadiq Umrani have also stated that Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti will complete his five-year term.