PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has clarified that following the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) elections, the party's top leadership proactively reached out to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and assured cooperation in forming the government, asserting that any criticism or blame directed at the PML-N is unfounded.
Vote Share and Seat Details
In a statement posted on X, Khawaja Saad Rafique disclosed that in the GB elections, the PPP secured approximately 28 percent of the votes, while the PML-N received 22 percent. According to unofficial and unverified results, the PPP won 10 seats, the PML-N secured 6, and the party also supported two independent candidates.
PML-N's Initiative for Government Formation
Rafique further stated that the PPP chairman is aware that within 72 hours of the elections, PML-N's senior leadership contacted President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP leaders, expressing willingness to support the PPP in forming the government by recognizing it as the largest party in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He emphasized that the PML-N aimed to prevent horse-trading and political bargaining in Gilgit-Baltistan. Therefore, PPP leaders should refrain from making accusations or adopting what he described as a disrespectful tone towards the party.
By-Elections and Seat Challenges
Rafique added that responsibility for by-elections scheduled in some constituencies on June 15 rests with the Election Commission. According to him, the result of one PML-N seat has also been challenged.
Criticism of PPP's Past Actions
The PML-N leader further remarked that those who, in his view, used every tactic to secure local government control in Karachi and reneged on commitments made to MQM with PML-N's guarantee cannot now criticize the party for forming a government in Lahore. He said the PML-N respects PPP leadership, but stressed that respect must be mutual in political relations.
