By 
19-02-2024
Eleonora Bruno
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is poised to establish a government in Balochistan, buoyed by Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s (PML-N) pledge of full support. Despite nationalist parties disputing the election outcome, PPP leader Sarfaraz Bugti asserted confidence in forming the government. PML-N and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) secured 11 provincial assembly seats each, with PPP following closely with 10 seats. Independents claimed six seats, while Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) secured four. While acknowledging unexpected defeats, Bugti accepted the election results for the nation’s benefit. Several nationalist parties, including Balochistan National Party (M) (BNP-M), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), National Party, and Hazara Democratic Party, protested alleged rigging in the polls. PPP leaders emphasised the people’s mandate and criticised BNP-M’s Akhtar Mengal for corruption during his tenure. PPP leaders Zahoor Buledi and Sardar Sarbuland Khan emphasised rejecting nationalist parties’ negative stance and reiterated PPP’s determination to form the government. However, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting on Balochistan, which was attended by party leaders and allies, excluding Bugti and BAP leader Sadiq Sanjrani. Meanwhile, nationalist parties rejected the election results, alleging corruption and interference. They demanded fair trials under Article 6 of the Constitution for those involved in electoral malpractice. They cited instances of vote manipulation and declared support for parties opposing civil and military interference. BNP-M’s Sardar Akhtar Mengal and National Party’s Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch decried the erosion of democracy, demanding respect for Balochistan’s opinion. PkMAP’s Mehmood Khan Achakzai affirmed their commitment to democracy and rejected external validation of their patriotism. Despite dissent and allegations, the political landscape in Balochistan remains charged with uncertainty.
Sources and further readings:
[1] Syed Irfan Raza, ‘PPP set to form govt in Balochistan, says Sarfaraz Bugti’ DAWN, 19 February 2024 < https://www.dawn.com/news/1815377/ppp-set-to-form-govt-in-balochistan-says-sarfaraz-bugti> Accessed 19 February, 2024.
[2] ‘Nationalists reject election results of Balochistan’ DAWN, 18 February 2024 <https://www.dawn.com/news/1815100> Accessed 19 February, 2024.
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