Discussions also covered wider political cooperation as well as regional and national issues
PPP Chairman Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari addresses a rally in Shigar. SCREEN GRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement on the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and expressed his gratitude as the PPP moved 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 for the PPP to enable it to form the government.
He assured full support of PML-N to PPP in the government formation process.
In a statement, Bilawal said the recognition of the PPP’s majority in GB reflects the continuity of democratic traditions and hailed the Prime Minister’s invitation to form the government as a “positive step”.
“As a result of consensus agreement, the posts of governor and deputy chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan will be awarded to PML-N,” he was quoted as saying. “The OPP will use all its capabilities to serve the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.”
He added that the PPP would fully dedicate its efforts to serve the people of the region and address their concerns.
The PPP chairman especially thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and said they had entrusted the party with a mandate to protect their property rights, labor rights and constitutional rights.
“The Pakistan Peoples Party will fulfill this responsibility effectively and with dedication,” he concluded.
A day earlier, delegations from the PPP and PML-N held meetings in Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss proposals to form a government after the elections. Senior leaders from both sides engaged in detailed consultations on power-sharing arrangements and government proposals.
In a statement, the PPP said the talks were a “major breakthrough” and said both parties had agreed to present their recommendations to their respective central leaderships.
Discussions also covered wider political cooperation as well as regional and national issues.
It is pertinent to note that the development follows the PPP securing 11 out of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly according to unofficial Form-47 results of the June 7 elections, putting it in a position to lead the next government.
