QUETTA -  Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Maalik Baloch is expected to present provincial budget 2013-14, as the coalition partners could not reach a consensus regarding sharing of ministries and formation of provincial cabinet.
It may be recalled here that following the May 11 elections, the PML-N, PKMAP and National Party reached a consensus and nominated Dr Abdul Maalik Baloch as the CM. The parties so far have yet to reach an agreement on sharing portfolios in the Balochistan government.
“Though the coalition partners made a consensus over distribution of portfolios a couple of days back but faced a deadlock at the eleventh hour which caused a delay in formation of provincial cabinet,” sources said. It is also said that talks are in progress between the PKMAP and PML-N on sharing formula specifically for retaining important portfolios of Finance, Planning and Development, Communication and Works, Irrigation, Health, Education and Agriculture.
However, following 18th Amendment in the Constitution, the provincial cabinet could not carry a battalion of ministers and the situation might pose issues for the coalition partners.
“If the coalition partners managed to reach a consensus, then new Balochistan finance minister would present budget in the assembly,” a source said.
Meanwhile, CM Dr Maalik chaired a high level meeting on law and order. Balochistan Police Inspector General Mushtaq Sukhera briefed the meeting on crimes, abduction for ransom and deteriorated situation in the city.
The CM directed the IG that all resources should be mobilised for eliminating crimes and no leniency should be tolerated in this regard. He said criminal elements should be brought to net of law and they should be punished according to the law ad constitution and for this a coordinated course of action should be evolved. He said civil society should be activated against criminal elements and pointing them.
Briefing the meeting, the IG said all resources have been mobilised for recovery of abducted doctors. Three suspected people have been arrested in this connection. He said, “We hope police would soon reach to the accused.”
The chief minister directed stern action against abductor, abduction for ransom and strict action should be taken against them. He also sought report from the IG Police about abduction and recovery of Mehrullah Magsi and directed early arrest of abductors.