GILGIT:
With the election clock ticking down and political temperatures soaring across Gilgit-Baltistan, the contest has entered its most charged phase, with campaigning in full swing, rival parties locked in intense mobilisation, and every corner of the region – from remote valleys to bustling urban centers – reverberating with slogans, demonstrations and ultimately mounting efforts.
Party flags flutter across roadsides, election banners line narrow streets and labor slogans echo through busy neighborhoods, reflecting an atmosphere where corner meetings, rallies and public gatherings have become a daily part of political life. In many constituencies, candidates are seen making maximum efforts to secure the confidence of voters as election day approaches.
Against the scenic backdrop of GB’s mountains and green valleys, political activity has taken on a vivid intensity. Observers say the campaign has entered its final and most critical phase, with narrative building and voter engagement now central to party strategies.
Some parties project promises of development and infrastructure improvements, while others form visions of a more stable and prosperous future. Still, the local mood appears increasingly discerning, with many voters showing greater caution and reluctance to be swayed by rhetoric alone.
All eyes are now on polling day on June 7, when the decisive power of the ballot will determine which political force gains the upper hand in GB’s evolving political landscape.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development amid the heightened election environment, senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) held high-level consultations in Gilgit, focusing on the changing electoral situation and potential opportunities for cooperation.
Former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and former Federal Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira met Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and PML-Q Secretary General Tariq Hassan, where detailed discussions were held on the electoral landscape, possible joint strategies and broader political alignments.
The PPP delegation included GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider and Central Leader Chaudhry Manzoor, while the PML-Q side was represented by Central Spokesman Ghulam Mustafa Malik. Other participants included Anila Ayaz Chaudhry, Rizwan Sadiq and PPP GB President Dilfaraz Khan.
Sources said both sides reviewed the overall political situation, explored post-election cooperation options and government formation scenarios and discussed coordination in the context of the ongoing election campaign. Both parties agreed to continue consultations and maintain contact in the coming days.
Participants expressed satisfaction with constructive progress. Shah noted that the mutual respect between PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain would be further strengthened, adding that coordinated strategies could yield stronger election results in the UK.
According to PML-Q spokesperson Ghulam Mustafa Malik, the meeting was called on the leadership of party chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. He added that the delegation had also briefed the top management including Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Dr. Muhammad Amjad and Punjab President Malik Muhammad Sameen, and confirmed that all decisions remain subject to the approval of the party leadership.
