PPP, PML-N leaders meet in Gilgit to discuss GB government formation

Senior leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) met in Gilgit to discuss various proposals for the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) after the June 7 elections, according to a PML-N post on Thursday.

According to the Post on X, the meeting, held at a local hotel, brought together high-level delegations from both parties as talks on a possible coalition arrangement gathered pace.

The PML-N delegation included Minister for Kashmir Affairs, GB, and SAFRON Amir Muqam and PML-N GB President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. The PPP delegation consisted of senior leaders Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, PPP GB President Amjad Hussain Advocate and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, leaders of the two parties held detailed discussions on the current political situation in GB and reviewed various proposals related to the formation of a new government.

The consultations come as no single party has secured enough seats to independently form a government in the 33-member Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

Based on preliminary results, the PPP has emerged as the largest party with 10 of the 24 contested seats, while the PML-N secured six seats. PTI-backed candidates won two seats, while five independents and one candidate from the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) were also elected.

With coalition building expected to determine the next administration, leaders from both parties exchanged views on various options for government formation and agreed to continue consultations.

Read: GB’s judgment

The delegations also agreed that the proposals discussed during the meeting would be submitted to their respective GB and central managements before any final decision is taken.

Both sides said further consultations would help determine the future course of action regarding government formation in the region.

Meanwhile, the election result has been challenged by several political parties. The PTI rejected the result alleging irregularities and manipulation in a number of constituencies, while the JUI-F also raised concerns over the alleged non-issuance of Forms 45 in real time during the counting of votes.

Questions have also been raised by various stakeholders regarding delays in the publication of results, leaving some aspects of the electoral process under dispute even as coalition talks progress.

The British Electoral Commission on Wednesday instructed returning officers not to finalize or consolidate the results in five constituencies until the return vote is completed on June 15.

Re-polling has been ordered in 26 constituencies in Skardu-II (GBA-8), Astore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16) and Diamer-III (GBA-17), with the commission stating that constituency results can only be consolidated after incorporating the fresh poll.

The commission has also ordered recounts in certain constituencies, including Ghizer-II (GBA-20), following complaints and petitions by candidates alleging irregularities during the counting process.