Amjad Hussain Advocate, president of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Gilgit-Baltistan, was elected unopposed as the chief minister of the region on Monday evening. His election followed the backing of all major political groups represented in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, including the PPP, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP), PTI-backed independent lawmakers, and Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM). No rival candidate filed nomination papers, leading to his unopposed victory.
Rare Political Consensus
Hussain's election reflects an unusual political consensus among parties in the region, clearing the way for the formation of a broad-based coalition government. He becomes the fifth elected chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Political leaders congratulated him and expressed hope that the new government would focus on governance, development, and addressing the region's key challenges. The newly elected chief minister is expected to announce his cabinet and outline policy priorities in the coming days.
Opposition Leader and Other Key Posts
PML-Nawaz President and former Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman was nominated as the leader of the opposition in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. Despite the party's support for the consensus-based election of key constitutional officeholders, PML-N unanimously voted for the unopposed election of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Chief Minister. With nine members in the 33-member House, PML-N is the largest party on the opposition benches and thus holds the office of the Opposition Leader.
Speaker and Deputy Speaker Elected Unopposed
The election process for two key constitutional offices was also completed unopposed. PPP leader Imran Nadeem was elected as Speaker, and PML-N leader Malik Kifayat ur Rehman was elected as Deputy Speaker. Imran Nadeem, a newly elected member from Shigar district, was declared Speaker after no other candidate submitted nomination papers. Similarly, Malik Kifayat ur Rehman, a newly elected PML-N member, was elected Deputy Speaker unopposed.
Oath-Taking Ceremony
The newly elected members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly took oath during the first session held on Monday at the Assembly Hall in Gilgit. The session was presided over by Speaker Nazeer Ahmed Advocate, who administered the oath. All members pledged to serve the people, uphold the Constitution and the law, and discharge their responsibilities with honesty and dedication. Following the oath-taking, the Assembly will proceed with subsequent business, including the election of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Leader of the House, along with other parliamentary matters.
