GILGIT: Delegations of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) met in Gilgit on Thursday to discuss various proposals regarding the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the June 7 elections.
According to unofficial results (Forms-47), the PPP emerged as the largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly by securing 11 of the 24 seats, placing it in a strong position to lead the formation of the regional government. The PML-N finished second with six seats.
Senior leaders from both parties held detailed consultations on possible arrangements for the new government. In a statement, the PPP described the meeting as a significant development in the government formation process, saying that both sides agreed to submit the proposed options to their respective central leaderships for further consideration.
The discussions also covered political cooperation and a range of national and domestic issues. PPP leaders maintained that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had given their party a clear mandate by making it the largest political force in the assembly. They emphasized that all decisions regarding the formation of the government would be taken in line with democratic principles, political consultation and public interest.
The PML-N, in its separate statement, said several proposals were reviewed during the meeting and both parties agreed to continue the consultation process. It added that the future course of action would be determined after the proposals are examined and discussed with the central leadership of both parties.
The PPP delegation included Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, senior leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah. PPP Gilgit-Baltistan President Advocate Amjad Hussain, who is considered the party’s leading candidate for the chief minister’s position, also attended the meeting.
Representing the PML-N were Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and the party’s Gilgit-Baltistan President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, a former chief minister of the region.
As per the unofficial Forms-47 results issued by returning officers from all 24 constituencies, the PPP secured 11 seats, while the PML-N won six. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidates claimed two seats, and its ally Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) won one seat. Independent candidates were successful in four constituencies.
However, the final consolidation of results remains pending as re-polling is scheduled at selected polling stations in five constituencies: Skardu-II (GBA-8), Astore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16) and Diamer-III (GBA-17). Until the completion of the re-polling process, the election results cannot be formally consolidated.