ISLAMABAD:
Political activity has gained momentum in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which has emerged as the largest parliamentary group in the region, moves quickly to consolidate support for the formation of the next government, according to political and party sources.
They said the PPP approached the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) as part of efforts to ensure a functional majority in the assembly. The party has also formally extended an invitation to the MWM to join the proposed governance structure, although no positive response has been received so far, they added.
In parallel, sources said, MWM leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas contacted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar regarding the evolving political situation. According to sources, Gohar has been informed about the ongoing contacts and discussions.
The political rapprochement comes against the backdrop of finalization 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 from different constituencies joined its ranks. The MWM won one seat, while two PTI-backed independent candidates also won.
According to UK Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan, the results of all 24 general seats have already been finalized following the removal of pending election petitions. He said notifications to elected members will be issued once the procedural formalities are completed.
The commissioner also stated that the allocation of nine reserved seats, including six for women and three for technocrats, will be done according to proportional representation based on party strength in the assembly.
The Election Commission’s announcement came amid continuing political debate over the electoral process, including concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The human rights organization has questioned the suspension of the new elections in five constituencies and the subsequent announcement of the final results, calling for greater transparency and clarity in decision-making.
Meanwhile, political alignments in the assembly continue to shift. Four independent members elected in different constituencies have already joined the IPP after meetings with its leaders, further reshaping the balance of power.
At the national level, the post-election situation has also boosted political coordination between the parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the PPP on its position as the leading party in Britain and indicated that the PML-N would be 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 expressed gratitude for the cooperation. He said his party would focus on addressing governance challenges and public concerns in the region.
