GWADAR: Former Balochistan finance minister Syed Ehsan Shah on Friday announced his resignation from the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and the revival of his own Pakistan National Party (Awami), which he had merged with BNP-M several years ago.
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Speaking at a press conference in his Turbat office, Shah said he had remained associated with BNP-M for three years but increasingly found it difficult to align with what he described as the party’s “rigid political approach” under BNP-M president Sardar Akhtar Mengal.
“The decision to merge my Pakistan National Party (Awami) with BNP-M has been withdrawn, and the revival of the party will restore its independent political identity,” he said. Shah emphasized that the move was aimed at serving the broader interests of Balochistan and its people, rather than being motivated by any personal dispute with Mengal.
Shah’s announcement marks a significant development in Balochistan’s political landscape, as the Pakistan National Party (Awami) had previously played a notable role in provincial politics before its merger with BNP-M. Political analysts suggest that Shah’s return to active leadership could alter alliances and influence upcoming electoral strategies in the province.
While Shah did not outline immediate political plans or electoral goals for the revived party, he stressed that the focus would remain on advocating for the socio-economic development of Balochistan and addressing issues such as governance, resource management, and provincial autonomy.
Observers noted that the revival of smaller regional parties like the Pakistan National Party (Awami) often reshapes local power dynamics, especially in key districts such as Turbat and Gwadar, where tribal and regional allegiances influence voter behaviour.
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Shah concluded by reiterating his commitment to political activism in Balochistan and expressed hope that his party would provide a platform for citizens seeking effective representation and development-focused policies.