Discussions also focused on broader political cooperation as well as regional and national issues.
PPP Chairman Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari addresses a rally in Shigar. SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement regarding the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and expressed his gratitude, as the PPP moves closer to forming the administration in the region.
The prime minister said the PML-N would sit on the opposition benches in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, but its elected members would vote in favor of the PPP to allow it to form the government.
He assured the PML-N’s full support to the PPP in the government formation process.
In a statement, Bilawal said the recognition of the PPP majority in Britain reflects the continuity of democratic traditions and welcomed the prime minister’s invitation to form government as a “positive step”.
“Following a consensual agreement, the posts of Governor and Vice President of Gilgit-Baltistan will be given to the PML-N,” he was quoted as saying. “The PPP will use all its capabilities to serve the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.”
He added that the PPP would fully devote its efforts to serving the people of the region and addressing their concerns.
The PPP chairman especially thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying they had given the party the mandate to safeguard their property rights, labor rights and constitutional rights.
“The Pakistan People’s Party will shoulder this responsibility with efficiency and dedication,” he concluded.
A day earlier, delegations from the PPP and PML-N had met in Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss proposals to form a government after the elections. Senior leaders from both sides have engaged in in-depth consultations on power-sharing arrangements and governance proposals.
In a statement, the PPP said the talks were a “major breakthrough”, saying both sides had agreed to present their recommendations before their respective central leaders.
Discussions also focused on broader political cooperation as well as regional and national issues.
Pertinently, this development follows the PPP securing 11 of the 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, according to the unofficial Form 47 results of the June 7 elections, thereby placing it in a position to lead the next government.
