PML-N dissidents, independents launch new political party

ISLAMABAD: Independent lawmakers from Balochistan and dissidents of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) on Thursday announced formation of new political party named ‘Balochistan Awami Party’.

Addressing a press conference today, former senator Saeed Ahmad Hashmi, who had been associated with the PML-N for most of his political career, said his associates were now working on party’s constitution and manifesto and it would soon be made public.

All dissident legislators of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and independent senators who were elected in the recent Senate elections would be important members of the new party.

The Balochistan Awami Party also includes the provincial Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo.

Hashmi said party members would be announced at the general council meeting and subsequently application would be floated to the Election Commission of Pakistan for party registration.

Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar will be the spokesperson for the newly-formed party until intra-party elections are held, said Mr. Hashmi.

Speaking on the occasion, Kakar said there would no more murmurs over ‘blackmailing’ from Balochsitan after formation of the new party. Economic and political rights of the people of the province will be the top priority of the party, he added.

According to reports, at least 30 provincial assembly members including the provincial chief executive will join the party.