Islamabad: Quetta Presiding Officer Zumark Achakzai presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the fifty-six newly elected lawmakers of the Balochistan Assembly on Wednesday.
In his welcome address, Speaker Zumark Achakzai expressed optimism about the new assembly’s ability to collaborate for the province’s development, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in moving Balochistan forward.
The assembly staff ensured meticulous preparations for welcoming the incoming members, underscoring the significance of the inaugural session.
Interestingly, the Balochistan Assembly’s inaugural session coincided with the induction of newly-elected members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, highlighting a synchronized political transition across provinces.
During the elections, a total of 5,026 polling stations were set up across Balochistan, with special attention given to 1,651 deemed most sensitive and 2,249 classified as sensitive, ensuring broad coverage and accessibility for voters.
To guarantee the smooth conduct of the electoral process, an extensive training program was organized for 51,379 polling officers and other staff members involved in the process.
Reflecting on previous electoral outcomes, the 2018 general elections saw the Balochistan Awami Party securing 15 seats, leading to the formation of the provincial government. Additionally, 4 independent candidates, including representation from 4 women and one non-Muslim seat, contributed to the government’s formation. Jam Kamal Khan’s assumption of the Chief Minister’s role marked a significant milestone in Balochistan’s political landscape.
