QUETTA: Several members of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and allies of the provincial government have reportedly called for the replacement of Chief Minister Jam Kamal.
This comes as the prime minister wrote a letter to Governor Balochistan Yasinzai to step down from his position so the government can appoint a replacement due to the transforming political challenges.
According to sources, the growing discord has increased between the chief minister and PTI members of the Balochistan Assembly. The PTI lawmakers made several complaints regarding Kamal during the prime minister’s recent visit to Quetta, adding that he was attempting to malign the PTI.
During his visit, the prime minister met six members of the PTI’s parliamentary group led by Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind and including the Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly Sardar Babar Musakhel.
Well-placed sources informed that the group complained that Kamal was spoiling the PTI in Balochistan, and any other chief minister from BAP apart from Jam Kamal would be acceptable. Rind has already expressed reservations with the PTI and has threatened to quit the party.
Sources further informed the there has been was talk of appointing Speaker Qudus Bizenjo as chief minister in place of Kamal. Bizenjo is currently serving as Balochistan Assembly Speaker and had a short stint as chief minister in 2018.
The prime minister also had a one-on-one meeting with the chief minister after meeting the parliamentary group. Several ministers and BAP assembly members have also expressed a lack of trust in Kamal and have complained of waiting hours to meet him.
Balochistan government spokesman Liaquat Shahwani has denied reports of a no-confidence motion against the chief minister.
