Jamhoori Wattan Party (JWP) leader Shahzain Bugti and Member of National Assembly (MNA) Aslam Bhutani on Wednesday warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government they would quit the coalition if the promises made to them aren’t fulfilled within a week.
“If the government is serious about the problems in Balochistan, then the prime minister should pass executive orders, issue a notification and make an announcement on national television,” Shahzain Bugti told a private news channel.
“The problem with the incumbent government is that they only believe in taking U-turns,” Bugti remarked.
Meanwhile, Bhutani said there was a dearth of “treating MNAs with respect”.
“We only say respect should be accorded. Ten things may be done while 10 may not come to fruition. We are allies and are independent. For us, all roads are open. If one path does not lead to success, we will choose another. But they must at least accord respect to their own party members,” he said, referring to revelations made by PTI members.
Referring to the government’s stance of “reviewing” the 18 Amendment, Bugti said he does not agree with it at all.
“The 18th Amendment was done after arriving at a consensus with all political parties. The prime minister only has his own PTI views. He cannot develop a consensus for the whole of Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, Bhutani was of the view that whether anyone from the PPP likes the 18th Amendment and National Finance Commission award or not, and whether they oppose certain aspects, it is a commendable accomplishment on their part.
“The grant for Balochistan in the seventh NFC award was never before witnessed and will probably never again be seen so we will protect it,” he said.
Last week, the federal government was dealt a blow after Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) leader Akhtar Mengal announced that his party was breaking its alliance with the ruling coalition.
However, the lawmaker had clarified that his party will continue to be part of the National Assembly and keep talking about Balochistan’s issues.
Mengal had reminded the House that his party had two agreements with the ruling party, adding that it was the Imran Khan-led party which had come to him for an alliance, not the BNP-M which went to Bani Gala — the personal residence of PM Imran Khan.
“The first agreement was done on August 8, 2018 and signed by Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Jahangir Tareen and Yar Muhammad Rind,” recalled Mengal.
He had added that his party had demanded that the missing persons issue be resolved and the National Action Plan be implemented in letter and spirit in the agreement.
Later, Mengal revealed that in the days leading to his separation from the Centre a ruling party delegation had met with him to dissuade him from the decision but that he had firmly told them that they “failed to deliver”.