Quetta, 15 November 2023,(GNP): Nawaz Sharif embarks on a journey to Quetta today, aiming to connect with potential political supporters.
As the leader of PML-N, he plans a two-day trip to Balochistan, aligning with the party’s strategy to form crucial partnerships in all provinces ahead of the February 8 general elections.
Last week, senior MQM-P leaders visited Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, responding to his invitation to form an alliance against PPP in Sindh. Sources mention that the ‘Sardars of Balochistan’ requested Nawaz to visit Quetta and show respect if he aims to align with them in the upcoming elections.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, a senior PML-N leader, states that Nawaz Sharif intends to hold political gatherings in Quetta where “influential individuals” will declare their affiliation with his party.
During a recent trip to Quetta, Ayaz Sadiq met with significant personalities such as Jam Kamal and Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), who assured him they are considering joining PML-N. Sources suggest that certain past and present leaders associated with BAP might declare their support for PML-N during Nawaz’s visit.
Due to prior affiliations of some BAP leaders with PML-N and the positive rapport between the incumbent Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, a former BAP member, and PML-N, Sharif’s party may not encounter significant challenges in seeking strategic alliances in Balochistan before the elections.
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Three key associates of the Sharifs — Fawad Hasan Fawad, Ahad Cheema, and Umar Saif — are part of PM Kakar’s cabinet. The PPP claims that PML-N has positioned approximately eight members in the federal cabinet, giving the appearance of a PML-N controlled interim government.
Electables play a significant role in the Balochistan elections, much like in south Punjab, where this factor holds great importance. In the upcoming days, more electables are likely to favor PML-N over PPP or any other party.
PPP is also preparing to attract electables in Balochistan. Notably, Mr. Kamal recently met PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, endorsing his party’s efforts for advancing the elections.
He highlighted that if any party had taken concrete steps to resolve Balochistan’s issues, it was the PPP. The party plans to launch its election campaign in the province with a rally on November 30 in Quetta, coinciding with the 56th foundation day of the party, leading up to the February 8 polls.
