Jam Kamal, others join forces with PML-N for election

F.P. Report

QUETTA : Balochistan’s former chief minister Jam Kamal, along with his companions, has joined forces with the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) after meeting Nawaz Sharif. 

Nawaz Sharif, who is on a visit to Quetta, met other political leaders of the  province and discussed issues regarding the upcoming general elections. 

Several members of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) also joined the PML-N after holding a meeting with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. 

The BAP party members are set to announce their joining of the PML-N upon the arrival of Nawaz Sharif in Quetta.

Former minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, Muhammad Khan Lehri, Masood Loni and Noor Muhammad Domar were among the prominent BAP leaders who will join the party.

Nawaz lands in Quetta  

Earlier, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif reached Balochistan capital Quetta for a two-day visit. 

His younger brother Shehbaz, daughter Maryam and Pervez Rashid are accompanying him on the trip aimed at boosting the PML-N organisation and forging new alliances in the province ahead of the Feb 8 general elections. 

He drove straight to the hotel from the airport, where he is staying along with his entourage. The elder Sharif did not answer the questions of reporters. 

Nawaz is expected to seal a seat-adjustment deal with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) which is now led by Khalid Magsi. 

The Balochistan-based party had parted ways with the PTI-led ruling alliance, paving the way for the success of a no-confidence motion which propelled Shehbaz to the prime minister’s office for a 16-month-long stint. 

The visit also has a great symbolic significance given that it was Balochistan where the downfall of his government began after the change in party loyalty and shifting alliances ended the tenure of the then chief minister Sanaullah Zehri.

Both Zehri and Lt-Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch had left the PML-N and later joined the PPP after criticising Nawaz and his policies after he accused the establishment of toppling his government, conviction and the controversial elections in 2018.