The first session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Monday saw PPP-nominated candidate Amjad Hussain Advocate elected unopposed as the chief minister of the region. PML-N's Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was also elected as the leader of the opposition without contest. The session was presided over by outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate.
Support for the New Chief Minister
Amjad Hussain enjoyed the support of at least 28 members from the PPP, PML-N, and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party in the 33-member house. This broad coalition underscores the political alignment in the region following the recent elections.
Oath-Taking and Key Elections
The first session began with oath-taking by 30 members, followed by elections for speaker and deputy speaker. PPP's Imran Nadeem, a newly elected member from Shigar district, was declared speaker after no other candidate submitted nomination papers within the stipulated time. Malik Kifayatur Rehman, a newly elected PML-N member, was elected deputy speaker unopposed as no rival candidate filed against him. After scrutiny of his nomination papers, he was formally declared elected.
Members of the assembly and political leaders congratulated both elected office-bearers, expressing confidence that they would uphold democratic traditions and ensure the smooth and impartial functioning of the House. Malik Kifayatur Rehman is the son of late Malik Miskeen, a former speaker of the G-B Assembly from district Diamer Tangeer, and has been elected to the Assembly for the first time.
Assembly Composition and Party Position
The 33-member house comprises 24 general seats, six reserved seats for women, and three seats for technocrats and professionals. Although all nine reserved seats have been allocated, the G-B Election Commission has so far issued notifications for only 21 of the 24 general seats, taking the total number of notified members to 30. The party position in the house is now clear: the PPP Parliamentary Group holds 13 seats (9 general, 3 women, 1 technocrat); the PML-N holds 9 seats (6 general, 2 women, 1 technocrat); the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has 6 seats (4 general, 1 woman, 1 technocrat); the MWM holds 1 general seat; and there is 1 general seat held by a PTI-backed independent candidate. Results of three general seats from Diamer and Skardu have not yet been notified due to legal and electoral proceedings.
Prime Minister's Felicitations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the G-B chief minister on his election, marking a significant political milestone for the region.
