ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) central president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said on Monday that ignoring Balochistan weakens Pakistan.
As per details, PMLQ Balochistan chapter leaders that includes Dr. Rafiullah, Shakoor Marri and Bashir Khan Achakzai met the party chief Shujaat Hussain in Lahore.
During the meeting, he directed party members to actively participate in the upcoming local government elections in Quetta. “PML-Q workers to take part in the election and voting process,” said the PML-Q chief.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and the party’s central information secretary Mustafa Malik also attended the meeting.
Shujaat Hussain said Balochistan’s mineral resources can drive the province ahead of others. He added that the world is closely watching Balochistan’s mines and that lasting peace will further increase their importance.
He stressed the need to create more job opportunities for Balochistan’s youth. He said the province’s health, education and infrastructure sectors need urgent attention.
Shujaat called on the federal and provincial governments to jointly address Balochistan’s challenges. A strong Balochistan, he said, is essential for a strong Pakistan.
Earlier this month, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced the schedule for local government elections in Quetta.
According to the schedule, nomination papers can be submitted to the offices of the relevant returning officers from November 13 to 17, 2025. The preliminary list of candidates will be published on November 18, while scrutiny of nominations will take place from November 19 to 24.
Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nominations can be filed until November 28, with decisions expected by December 3. The revised list will be published on December 4, and the final list, along with the last date for withdrawals, is set for December 5. Election symbols will be allocated on December 6.
Polling is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with results expected to be finalized by December 31, 2025.
This announcement sets the framework for Quetta’s local body elections, marking a key step in the city’s democratic process.
Earlier this month, the electoral body had rejected the Balochistan government’s request to postpone local government elections in Quetta, the provincial capital of the province.
