ISLAMABAD: Senator M. Dostain Khan Domki has indicated that a leadership change in Balochistan’s provincial government may be on the horizon, as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is reportedly preparing to select a new Chief Minister for the province.
Domki revealed that the incoming Chief Minister is likely to be from the PPP, despite an earlier understanding with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He attributed the potential shift to widespread dissatisfaction within the PPP ranks in the Balochistan Assembly, citing concerns over the current Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s governance, which has been criticized for poor performance.“The PPP is actively considering new candidates for the leadership role, and an internal reshuffle in the provincial assembly is expected soon,” Domki stated. He emphasized that mounting frustrations over Bugti’s tenure have expedited the decision process.
While recalling the existing 2.5-year agreement between PPP and PML-N regarding the Chief Ministership, Domki noted that any change would need to respect this understanding. Nonetheless, he affirmed that the PPP’s priority remains effective governance, which could necessitate leadership adjustments.
Sarfraz Bugti was elected as Balochistan’s Chief Minister unopposed on March 1, 2024. it is important that Bugti, a former caretaker interior minister, submitted four nomination papers to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), with no other candidates filing nominations. His nomination was supported jointly by the PPP and PML-N as part of a broader political strategy to form the federal and provincial coalitions.
Previously serving as caretaker interior minister, Bugti resigned from the role in December 2023 before joining the PPP, led by Bilawal Bhutto. The news of a potential leadership change has prompted widespread speculation about who might succeed Bugti and the implications for Balochistan’s political future.
