QUETTA - Though general elections are approaching, the political activities have yet to gain momentum in Balochistan as no major political alliance among nationalist or other political parties is shaping in the province.The nationalist parties in Balochistan comprise Baloch and Pashtoonnationalist parties. Due to restive situation of the province, the Baloch nationalist parties are classified as hardliners, semi-hardliners and moderates.Besides Baloch National Front (BNF), an alliance of different Baloch nationalist parties and organisations, the Baloch Republican Party (BRP), led by self-exiled leader Nawabzada Bramdagh Bugti,is also counted among hardliner nationalist parties.These hardliner parties not only boycotted the general elections in 2008 but also announced that they would boycott the upcoming elections.Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), led by Sardar Akthar Mengal, is among the semi-hardliner nationalist parties and National Party (NP), led by Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, is a moderate nationalist party.Though both parties boycotted the general elections in 2008, they have called their boycott as a big “mistake” and are taking keen interest in the preparation for forthcoming polls.Due to the deteriorating law and order situation of Balochistan and recent visit of BNP-Mengal’s chief to Islamabad, the party is facing strong criticism from hardliners who are persuading the BNP-Mengal to revisit it stance on taking part in 2013 polls.Political analysts say BNP-Mengal’s boycott of the upcoming polls cannot be ruled out.However, the NP has not only desired for taking part in elections but has alsobeen eager to make political alliance or seat adjustment with BNP-Mengal in Baloch dominated areas that are considered the hub of Baloch nationalist parties but no progress has been observed in this connection. Political alliance or seat adjustment between the NP and the BNP-Mengal could not be discarded but in this scenario, they will have to face severe criticism from hardliners.No alliance is appeared to be in process between the Pashtoon nationalist parties, including the Pakhtunkwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and the Awami National Party (ANP). After boycotting 2008 general elections, the PkMAP seems busy in preparations for the polls. The PkMAP has good relations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawazand there is a possibility of political alliance or seat adjustments between the two parties. Similarly, there are chances of alliance between PML-N and Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP-Talal).Analysts are not optimistic about any alliance between the PkMAP and the ANP or between the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and the ANP.An alliance among the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Awami), the JUI-F and the ANP was formed under the name of Islamic National Democratic Alliance (INDA) last year for seat adjustment for Senate polls.There is a probability that all three parties would take part under the INDAbecause the alliance secured maximum seats for the parties in the Senate.Nawabzada Talal Akbar Bugti, chief of JWP-Talal, is also making efforts for forming a grand alliance and he also visited Islamabad last month in this regard. After his visit, he told the newsmen that all parties would be contacted to form a grand alliance except the PML-Q and the PPP. He said that the first meeting of grand alliance would be convened in Okara as the tomb of great Baloch leader Chakar-i-Azam is located there and it may attract Baloch nationalists.Jamaat Islami Sindh Ameer Asadullah Bhutto visited Quetta two weeks ago and held separate meetings with PkMAP President Mehmood Khan Achakzai, BNP-Mengal acting President Dr Jahanzaib Jamali and NP leader Dr Ishaq Baloch. Some political analysts believe that even if these parties (the JI, the PkMAP, the BNP-Mengal and the NP)do not form any alliance, they may chalk out a seat adjustment plan.

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