GILGIT — Senior delegations from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convened in Gilgit to deliberate on strategic proposals for establishing a coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the recent regional elections. The consultative session marks a significant step forward in determining the political layout of the next administration.
Key Highlights
- Unofficial Form-47 results place the PPP as the largest political entity in the region with 11 out of 24 legislative seats.
- The PML-N emerged as the runner-up, securing six seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.
- Negotiators from both parties reported a major breakthrough, agreeing to forward power-sharing proposals to their respective central command structures.
- Final consolidation of the election results is currently paused pending mandatory re-polling across specific stations in five constituencies.
- The political field also includes four independent winners, two PTI-backed candidates, and one MWM representative.
Unofficial Electoral Layout and Consultative Success
According to unofficial Form-47 data released by returning officers, the June 7 elections concluded with the PPP securing the dominant share of the legislature with 11 seats, positioning the party to lead the upcoming provincial government. The PML-N followed with six seats, prompting immediate inter-party talks to establish a stable governance framework.
The PPP labeled the initial round of discussions a major breakthrough, noting that both sides reached a consensus on foundational proposals that will now be presented to their central leadership for final ratification. Representatives emphasized that all decisions regarding cabinet portfolios and the chief minister’s slot will remain strictly aligned with democratic principles, sustained political consultation, and the broader public interest. Mirroring this optimistic outlook, the PML-N’s official statement confirmed that several administrative formulas were carefully evaluated, and both factions agreed to sustain the consultation process.
Prominent Delegations and Regional Representation
The high-stakes political huddle featured top-tier leadership from both parties. The PPP’s negotiating team included Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah. Crucially, the party’s regional president, Advocate Amjad Hussain—who is widely regarded as the primary contender for the coveted Chief Minister slot—was also heavily involved in the deliberations.
Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly Election Standings (Form-47)
• Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): 11 Seats
• Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N): 6 Seats
• Independent Candidates: 4 Seats
• Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Backed: 2 Seats
• Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM): 1 Seat
The PML-N delegation was led by the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam, alongside PML-N’s regional president and former chief minister, Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman.
Pending Re-polling and Final Consolidation
While the current seat counts provide a clear picture of the political layout, the final official consolidation of the electoral results has been legally barred. Complete official announcements will remain on hold until necessary re-polling operations are executed across targeted polling stations within five specific constituencies: Skardu-II (GBA-8), Astore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16), and Diamer-III (GBA-17). Until these final votes are tabulated, both mainstream parties intend to refine their governance blueprints to ensure a smooth transition of power.
