The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday held consultations on possible political cooperation for the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the recent regional elections. The meeting, held in Gilgit, focused on various options for government formation and future political coordination between the two parties.
Delegations and Discussions
The PPP delegation included Nayyar Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, and Gilgit-Baltistan PPP President Amjad Hussain Advocate. The PML-N was represented by Federal Minister Amir Muqam and former Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. Both sides agreed to present the proposals discussed during the meeting to their respective central leaderships for further consideration.
PPP's Mandate and Democratic Principles
Speaking after the consultations, PPP leaders said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had given their party the largest mandate in the elections and that decisions regarding government formation would be taken in accordance with democratic principles and the public interest. The PPP emerged as the single largest party in the 25-member Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly by securing nine seats. The party requires the support of four additional members to attain a simple majority in the house.
Outreach to Independents and Other Parties
Party sources said the PPP had initiated contacts with independent candidates who won seats in the elections as part of efforts to secure the numbers required to form the government. The sources added that outreach to other political parties in the region was also expected in the coming days. According to the election results, the PPP won nine seats, while independent candidates and the PML-N secured five seats each. The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) won one seat.
