The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly is scheduled to convene on Monday to elect its speaker, deputy speaker, and leader of the house, following the swearing-in of 30 newly elected lawmakers during the inaugural session. Outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate administered the oath to the members on Sunday before adjourning the sitting until 3 p.m. today.
Coalition Government Expected
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which emerged as the largest party in the recent elections, is expected to lead the next government with the support of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Political circles indicate that both parties have reached a coalition understanding similar to their arrangement at the federal level.
Election Results and Seat Distribution
According to the election outcome, the PPP secured 11 seats in the 33-member assembly, while the PML-N won six seats and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party obtained four. PTI-backed independents and candidates from other parties also gained representation, although notifications for three constituencies remain pending due to ongoing court proceedings.
Chief Minister Nomination
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has nominated Amjad Hussain for the office of chief minister, with party leaders expressing confidence that the alliance will secure the required majority after the allocation of reserved seats.
Next Steps
The election of the speaker and deputy speaker will be followed by the selection of the leader of the house, paving the way for the formation of a new government and bringing an end to the post-election political uncertainty in Gilgit-Baltistan.
