As the political chessboard in Balochistan takes shape with these intricate maneuvers, the upcoming elections indeed promise to be a defining moment in the political history of Pakistan. In a noteworthy political development, Nawaz Sharif, the prominent figure at the helm of PML-N, is embarking on a two-day journey to Balochistan on this Tuesday. This move aligns with the party’s overarching strategy to forge strategic alliances in all provinces, a strategic chess play in anticipation of the upcoming Feb 8 general elections. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, a senior leader in the PML-N, asserts that Mr. Sharif’s itinerary includes political meetings in Quetta where several influential figures, deemed “electables,” are expected to publicly announce their allegiance to the PML-N. Recent interactions in Quetta involving Mr. Sadiq and key figures such as Jam Kamal and Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) suggest a favorable response to PML-N’s overtures. These political dialogues indicate a potential seat adjustment with PML-N, demonstrating a keen interest from BAP in aligning forces.
Insiders speculate that some former and current leaders affiliated with BAP may declare their affiliation with the PML-N during Nawaz Sharif’s visit. The historical ties between the PML-N and Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, a former BAP member, could smooth the process of strategic partnerships in Balochistan. Critics argue that the PML-N has cast its eyes on at least 25 influential figures, colloquially referred to as ‘sardars/electables’ in Balochistan, who might align with the party during Sharif’s visit. This calculated move, according to a senior party leader, reflects the PML-N’s strategic targeting of electable in the run-up to the February polls.
Balochistan chapter president Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail discloses that Mr. Sharif is scheduled to meet key political figures, including PkMAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai, National Party President Dr. Malik Baloch, former CM Jam Kamal, and BAP leaders such as Nawabzada Khalid Magsi and Sardar Muhammad Saleh Bhootani. The visit also includes attendance at a function where various electable, including former MNAs and MPAs from BAP, are expected to announce their allegiance to the PML-N. Following a visit from senior MQM-P leaders to Lahore at the invitation of the elder Sharif, where discussions unfolded about a potential alliance against the PPP in Sindh, sources reveal that the ‘Sardars of Balochistan’ have extended an invitation to Nawaz Sharif to honor them in Quetta if he seeks to align with them in the upcoming polls. Meanwhile, the PPP is not sitting idle, with its own strategy to woo electable in Balochistan. Recent meetings between Jam Kamal and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari indicate a dynamic political landscape where alliances and counter-alliances are being forged.
In the lead-up to the elections, Hamza Shehbaz, the son of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, has emphasized the formidable nature of the Feb 8 polls, branding them as the most challenging in the country’s history. In a call for unity, he urged all parties to collaborate in steering the nation out of crises. Responding to queries regarding the role of the establishment and PML-N’s relations with it, Hamza Shehbaz highlighted that support from the establishment is a positive sign for the government. He emphasized the importance of cordial relations with the establishment for the overall stability of the political landscape.