QUETTA, Aug 29: The Balochistan Assembly has passed four and a half years without a leader of opposition in the house, although filling the post is essential after the 20th Amendment.

The provincial coalition government headed by Nawab Aslam Raisani of the PPP enjoys the support of 62 members in a house of 65.

Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind was the only opposition member in the assembly when the government was formed and he applied to the speaker for his appointment as opposition leader.

Later, Sardarzada Bakhtiar Khan Domki and Pir Abdul Qadir Gilani also joined the opposition benches and showed interest in the post.

Speaker Muhammad Aslam Bhootani confirmed that all the three opposition members had submitted their applications for the post of opposition leader.

“Electing an opposition leader has become very important after the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

“We will fulfil all constitutional requirements before nominating the leader of opposition in the house,” he said.

“It is a constitutional obligation that the chief minister shall have to consult the leader of opposition in the house for setting up a caretaker government for holding general elections,” Mr Bhootani said, adding that the provision could not be violated.

He said the nomination would be made in accordance with the Constitution, rules and regulations of the assembly and merit.

“I will take a decision that will be acceptable to all parliamentary parties,” he said.