ISLAMABAD: Political activity has gained momentum in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), having emerged as the largest parliamentary group in the region, moves swiftly to consolidate support for the formation of the next government, according to party and political sources.
They said the PPP has reached out to the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) as part of efforts to secure a working majority in the assembly. The party has also formally extended an invitation to MWM to join the proposed government setup, although no positive response has so far been received, they added.
In parallel developments, the sources said, MWM leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas made contact with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar in connection with the evolving political situation. Gohar has been briefed about the ongoing contacts and discussions, according to the sources.
The political outreach comes against the backdrop of the finalisation of election results in Gilgit-Baltistan, where the PPP has secured 11 seats to emerge as the largest party in the 24-member assembly, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with six seats. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has emerged as the third-largest parliamentary group after four independent candidates elected on different constituencies joined its ranks. The MWM secured one seat, while two PTI-backed independent candidates also won.
According to the G-B Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan, results of all 24 general seats have now been finalised following the disposal of pending election petitions. He said notifications for the elected members would be issued after completion of procedural formalities. The commissioner also stated that the allocation of nine reserved seats - including six for women and three for technocrats - will be made in line with proportional representation based on party strength in the assembly.
The Election Commission's announcement came amid continued political debate over the electoral process, including concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The rights body has questioned the suspension of re-polling in five constituencies and the subsequent announcement of final results, calling for greater transparency and clarity in decision-making.
Meanwhile, political alignments in the assembly continue to shift. Four independent members elected from different constituencies have already joined the IPP after meetings with its leadership, further reshaping the balance of power.
At the national level, the post-election situation has also prompted political coordination between parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the PPP on its position as the leading party in G-B and indicated that the PML-N would sit in the opposition, while supporting the PPP in forming the government. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed the development, describing it as a continuation of democratic norms and expressing gratitude for the cooperation. He said his party would focus on addressing governance challenges and public concerns in the region.
