The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), popularly known as “BAP,” has emerged as a pivotal player in the political landscape of Balochistan, especially in the context of forging new alliances between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). BAP’s entry into the political arena has added a new dimension to the ongoing political maneuvering in the province.
Both the PML-N and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, have quietly reached an agreement to form a provincial government. Notably, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has also expressed his views on assuming the position of Chief Minister, awaiting the official announcement of the schedule, and is expected to resign from his current position to contest the provincial assembly elections.
Sources reveal that a meeting between PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Patron-in-Chief Asif Ali Zardari took place. The meeting, held at Shehbaz Sharif’s residence in Model Town, Lahore, included the presence of Rana Sanaullah and Ayaz Sadiq from PML-N, while Aon Chaudhry represented the PPP.
Ahsan Iqbal, a senior leader of the PML-N, confirmed the principled understanding between the two parties on seat adjustment. Despite Nawaz Sharif’s aversion to seeking revenge, the focus is on moving forward positively rather than dwelling on past conspiracies.
BAP, initially formed in March 2018, employed strategic maneuvers to counter prevailing political forces at that time. However, recent developments indicate a shift in its political stance. The remaining party leaders, including former Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, were deprived of their party status when they met former President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit to Lahore. This meeting resulted in the announcement of their inclusion in the PPP.
Former Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s association with the PML-N grew stronger when he joined the party last month during Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Quetta. Anwar ul Haq Kakar, the former spokesperson for the Chief Minister, is also associated with BAP but has relinquished his membership to take charge of party and Senate responsibilities.
The political realignment in Balochistan reflects the dynamic nature of alliances and affiliations ahead of the upcoming elections. BAP’s role in this political scenario, particularly in aligning with the PML-N, adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape in the province.
