The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has become the single largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Assembly following the general elections held on Sunday, according to unofficial and unverified results received on Monday. Preliminary data shows the PPP securing 10 seats, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won six seats. Candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured two seats, and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) bagged one seat. With no party achieving a clear majority, the role of five independent candidates has become crucial for government formation in the region. Analysts predict intense political maneuvering as major parties seek to woo the independents.
Key Victories in Gilgit District
In Gilgit district, prominent figures from both sides won their respective constituencies. In Gilgit-1, former G-B chief minister and PML-N candidate Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman secured a comfortable victory with a heavy majority. The Gilgit-2 seat was won by PPP G-B President Amjad Hussain Advocate.
Repolling Ordered
Chief Election Commissioner Gilgit-Baltistan Raja Shahbaz Khan has ordered repolling at five polling stations following petitions from losing candidates. According to the decision, repolling will take place on June 15 at one polling station in GBA-15 and four polling stations in GBA-16. This action follows objections raised regarding the initial polling process in these constituencies.
Prime Minister's Felicitations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for the successful, transparent, peaceful, and politically vibrant conduct of the general elections. In a statement, he congratulated the PPP, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for emerging as the majority political party. He also congratulated the successful candidates of the PML-N for their strong competition and praised the party's team for their hard work and dedication. The prime minister felicitated all winning candidates across G-B and appreciated the people for their enthusiastic participation. He described the peaceful and transparent elections and active political engagement as the beauty of democracy, praising the election commission for ensuring a fair and impartial process. He also lauded the police and law enforcement agencies for their exemplary role in maintaining law and order during the polls.
