If sources within the PML-N are to be believed Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief Minister Balochistan, will continue to hold office for the remainder of the term and the decision has already been communicated to Sanaullah Zehri, the contender from PML-N. The decision to continue with Dr Abdul Malik who is leading the coalition government in Balochistan was taken after various stakeholders including the military establishment showed its comfort with the incumbent and appreciated his role in bringing political stability back to the province, reported Express Tribune. In 2013, after the general elections, PML-N had entered into a coalition with National Party (NP) of Dr Abdul Malik and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party of Mehmood Khan Ackakzai. It was decided then that NP will hold office of the Chief Minister for half the term at the start and a PML-N nominee will take charge for the latter half of the term. Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, the provincial President of PML-N had hoped that he will be taking charge of the office by the end of 2015. But it seems cards are not stacked in a way that majority of the stakeholders do not want to change the setup in restive Balochistan. There are indications that Nawaz Sharif’s party may have made up its mind to let Dr Baloch continue in the office for the full term, given his ability to keep the coalition together and other stakeholders happy. If that turns out to be the case, nothing like it. A change of captain at this juncture could quite possibly reverse the gains achieved so far. Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, is widely credited with bringing a semblance of stability to the volatile region through his quiet but doggedly determined way of leadership. He presides over a coalition government of disparate groups, each jockeying for influence and power. It is, therefore, a measure of his acceptability as the chief executive of the province that he has not had to contend with much opposition from his allies during his two and a half years of incumbency.
pk.shafaqna.com
