ISLAMABAD:
Political activity has gained momentum in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), now the region’s largest parliamentary group, moves quickly to consolidate support for the formation of the next government, according to political and party sources.
They said the PPP had contacted the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) as part of efforts to secure a working majority in the assembly. The party has also formally invited the MWM to join the proposed government formation, although no positive response has been received so far, they added.
Meanwhile, the sources said, MWM chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas contacted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar over the developing political situation. Gohar was informed of the ongoing contacts and discussions, according to the sources.
The political action comes against the backdrop of the finalization of election results in Gilgit-Baltistan, where the PPP secured 11 seats, becoming the largest party among the 24-member assembly, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with six seats.
The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has become the third largest parliamentary group after four independent candidates elected from different constituencies joined its ranks. The MWM secured one seat, while two PTI-backed independent candidates also won.
According to Britain’s Chief Electoral Commissioner, Raja Shahbaz Khan, the results of the 24 general seats have now been finalized following the clearance of pending election petitions. He said the notifications to the elected members would be issued once the procedural formalities are completed.
The commissioner also said that the allocation of nine reserved seats – including six for women and three for technocrats – will be done in accordance with proportional representation based on the strength of parties in the Assembly.
The Election Commission’s announcement comes amid ongoing political debate over the electoral process, including concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The rights body questioned the suspension of re-polling in five constituencies and the subsequent announcement of final results, calling for more transparency and clarity in decision-making.
Meanwhile, political orientations within the Assembly continue to change. Four independent MPs elected from 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 prompted political coordination between parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the PPP for its position as the leading party in Britain and indicated that the PML-N would sit in 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 expressing gratitude for the cooperation. He said his party would focus on addressing governance issues and public concerns in the region.
