The discussions also covered broader political cooperation, as well as regional and national issues.
PPP Chairman Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari addresses a rally in Shigar. SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement on forming a government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and expressed gratitude as the PPP moved closer to forming the administration in the region.
The prime minister said the PML-N would take opposition seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, but its elected members would vote in favor of the PPP to allow it to form a government.
He assured the full support of the PML-N to the PPP in the government formation process.
In a statement, Bilawal said recognizing the PPP majority in Britain reflects the continuity of democratic traditions and hailed the prime minister’s invitation to form a government as a “positive step.”
“As a result of a consensus agreement, the posts of governor and vice president of Gilgit-Baltistan will be allotted to the PML-N,” he said. “The PPP will use all its capabilities to serve the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.”
He added that the PPP will fully dedicate its efforts to serving the people of the region and addressing their concerns.
The PPP chairman especially thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that they had entrusted the party with the mandate to safeguard their property rights, labor rights and constitutional rights.
“Pakistan People’s Party will discharge this responsibility with efficiency and dedication,” he concluded.
A day earlier, delegations from the PPP and PML-N met in Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss proposals to form a government after the elections. Senior leaders from both sides engaged in detailed consultations on power-sharing arrangements and governance proposals.
In a statement, the PPP said the talks were a “breakthrough” and said both sides had agreed to present their recommendations to their respective central leaders.
The discussions also covered broader political cooperation, as well as regional and national issues.
It is pertinent to note that this development comes after the PPP bagged 11 of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, according to the unofficial Form 47 results of the June 7 elections, putting it in a position to lead the next government.
