BAP chief rejects reports of merger with PML-N

QUETTA: Balochistan Awami Party President Nawabzada Khalid Hussain Magsi on Wednesday dismissed reports suggesting that his party was set to merge with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, saying BAP would continue to function as an independent political force. "BAP will not merge into any other political party; instead, others will merge into BAP," he said.

Speaking to reporters at the Governor House after attending a civil awards distribution ceremony, Magsi said the party remained stable and would continue to have an important role in politics in the coming period. He also said BAP had faced difficult circumstances but had stayed intact despite the departure of some members.

Magsi, who also serves as the federal minister for science and technology, said political workers often shift affiliations, but maintained that the party itself would remain relevant in the days ahead.

Comments on power-sharing reports

Responding to a question about reports of a power-sharing arrangement in Balochistan, Magsi said he had heard such claims, but added that only the leadership of the two main parties said to be involved could verify whether they were correct.

He said BAP did not have detailed knowledge of the matter, although discussions about it were circulating. He also cautioned against the spread of rumours, saying such speculation did not serve the province’s interests.

According to Magsi, political uncertainty was harmful because it shifted attention toward questions about political movement and alignments rather than more pressing issues facing the province.

Security concerns

During the media interaction, Magsi also spoke about the security situation in Balochistan. In reply to a question, he said security-related challenges had made it difficult to travel to different parts of the province.

He said there was a time when travel across various areas could be undertaken freely, but added that the security environment had since become more difficult. He further said he would consult provincial minister Mir Asim Kurd Gello regarding arrangements related to his personal security.

Magsi’s remarks came amid circulating political speculation in Balochistan, which he said should not distract from substantive matters. He reiterated that BAP remained intact despite internal changes and rejected the suggestion that it was preparing to dissolve itself into another political party.

The BAP chief’s statement was made publicly at the Governor House in Quetta, where he addressed the media after the official ceremony. His comments covered both the party’s political position and the broader atmosphere of uncertainty created by unverified claims about alignments and power-sharing in the province.