Jaffar Khan sworn in as Balochistan governor

QUETTA: Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhel was sworn in as the new governor of Balochistan in a ceremony at the Governor House on Monday. While designated Punjab governor Sardar Salim Haider likely to take oath on May 10.

Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, administered the oath to the newly-appointed governor of the province Jaffar Khan Mandokhel. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by outgoing Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar and provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

Moreover, provincial ministers, assembly members, political figures and other officials also participated in the swearing in ceremony of Mandokhail, reported Geo News. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) politician has become the 24th governor of the southwestern province. After his appointment to the coveted office, the governor resolved to play the role of a bridge between the federation and the province. “The problems and difficulties of the province will be discussed with the federal government. There is room for improvement in terms of governance in the province,” he said, speaking with journalists following the oath-taking ceremony.

Governor Mandokhel, while commenting on the possible fencing of Gwadar, said he was unaware about any such development. “No knowledge about fencing in Gwadar. If it is being installed for security purposes, then it is a good thing,” he said.

Speaking to Geo News last week, Mandokhel, who is the president of the PMLN’s provincial chapter, had said he will serve the country and the nation as a governor. “I will play the role of a bridge between the province and the Centre,” he had said. He contested the 2018 elections on PML-N’s ticket but was defeated by Balochistan Awami Party’s (BAP) candidate Mitha Khan. In the 2024 elections, he contested on PML-N’s ticket from his Zhob constituency but was defeated by a Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) candidate.