Center pledges to work with new UK government: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to working with the newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) administration for the welfare and development of the region, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the newly elected Chief Minister on assuming office and assured him that “the federal government is committed to working with the newly elected British government for the welfare of the people of the region.”

The Prime Minister said the Government was planning key development projects across Britain, including initiatives in renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure, health and education, to ensure “progress and prosperity” in the region.

Highlighting the government’s priorities, the prime minister said Danish schools and a 100 megawatt solar power project were among the federal government’s flagship initiatives for Britain.

He added that the government was also considering setting up Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centers (PAKC) in Britain to make life easier for residents.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema were also present in the meeting.

Last month, on June 22, PPP nominated candidate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the region’s chief minister. PML-N’s Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was also elected opposition leader. The PPP-appointed chief minister enjoyed the support of at least 28 members of the PPP, PML-N and Istehkam-e-Pakistan party in a 33-member house.

The first session of the assembly saw the swearing-in of 30 members, followed by the election of the two key constitutional positions: president and vice-president.

PPP’s Imran Nadeem, a newly elected member of the UK Assembly from Shigar district, was declared elected speaker after no other candidate submitted their nomination for the post within the stipulated deadline.

Read also: Opposition rejects UK election results

The 33-member House has 24 general seats, six reserved seats for women and three seats for technocrats and professionals. Although all nine reserved seats have been allocated, the UK Electoral Commission has so far only issued notifications for 21 of the 24 general seats, bringing the total number notified to 30.

The party’s position within the House is now clear. The PPP parliamentary group holds 13 seats, including 9 general seats, 3 women and 1 technocrat seat. The PML-N holds 9 seats, including 6 generals, 2 women and 1 technocrat.

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has 6 seats, including 4 generals, 1 woman and 1 technocrat. The MWM holds 1 general seat, while there is also 1 general seat held by an independent candidate supported by the PTI. The results of three general seats of Diamer and Skardu have not yet been notified due to legal and electoral procedures.