During the presidential election, Asif Ali Zardari garnered 47 votes from the Balochistan Assembly, solidifying confidence in his candidacy. Notably, only 47 votes were cast in the 65-member House, indicating a clear mandate for Zardari. The breakdown of votes included 17 from PMLN, 17 from PPP, 5 from BAP, 4 from the National Party, 3 from ANP, and one independent member. Mehmood Khan Achakzai did not receive any votes. The first ballot in the House was cast by Ali Madad Jatak, who served as the polling agent for Asif Ali Zardari.

One distinctive aspect of the Balochistan Assembly’s role in the presidential election is its voting mechanism. Unlike other assemblies, where votes are divided based on the number of members, in Balochistan, each member’s vote carries equal weight. This equality ensures that the voices of representatives from Balochistan are not diluted in the larger electoral process. Chief Justice Balochistan High Court Naeem Akhtar Afghan supervised the balloting process, which took place from 10 am to 4 pm. fifteen representatives from JUI, BNP Awami, HDT, and Jamaat-e-Islami adhered to their party policies and remained neutral during the voting process. This neutrality showcased a commitment to party principles, and these representatives did not cast their votes. In the 65-member House, 62 members participated in the election, considering the vacancies created by successful candidates leaving their seats and one member not taking the oath.

The Balochistan Assembly’s significance in the presidential election was further underscored by a historic resolution passed a day before the election. The assembly unanimously approved a resolution declaring Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of the People’s Party and former prime minister, as a martyr and pioneer of democracy at the official level. The resolution, presented by members of the People’s Party, garnered support from PMLN, JUI, and ANP. The resolution asserted that the Supreme Court, in its assessment, found that legal requirements were not fulfilled in the decision to sentence Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to death. The assembly deemed Bhutto’s death sentence a case of judicial murder and characterized the Supreme Court’s decision as historic. Members emphasized that Bhutto’s ideology and philosophy have gained global recognition, and his thoughts and ideas remain indestructible.

It is crucial to note that all provincial assemblies, including Balochistan, have equal status in the presidential election. While votes in other assemblies are divided based on the number of members in the Balochistan Assembly, each member’s vote in Balochistan remains the same. This unique formula ensures that the voices of representatives from smaller provinces carry the same weight as those from more populous provinces. The Balochistan Assembly’s pivotal role in the recent presidential election and the historic resolution honoring Zulfikar Ali Bhutto underscore the province’s importance in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape. The equal weighting of votes in the assembly ensures a fair representation of Balochistan’s interests in national matters. As the country continues its democratic journey, the contributions of assemblies like Balochistan remain instrumental in fostering a diverse and inclusive political environment.