GILGIT – Four independent candidates who secured victory in their respective constituencies have affiliated with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) following a meeting with party president Abdul Aleem Khan.
The group comprises Anwar Ali (GBA-23 Ghanche-II), Dr Asad Shafiq (GBA-24 Ghanche-III), Muhammad Dilpazeer (GBA-15 Diamer-I), and Aman Ali Amir (GBA-21 Ghizer).
Khan, who also serves as a federal minister, announced the development on his social media channels and extended his congratulations to the new members.
“The entry of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party into the Gilgit‑Baltistan Assembly marks a welcome development,” he remarked. “Through diligence and integrity, the party will actively contribute to the region’s progress.”
In the June 7 general elections, the IPP nominated 16 candidates across Gilgit‑Baltistan’s 16 constituencies, yet failed to secure any seat.
These four independent legislators may prove pivotal in shaping the forthcoming Gilgit‑Baltistan government.
Last week, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on GB government formation and expressed his appreciation.
According to Radio Pakistan, the prime minister pledged the PML‑N’s full support for the PPP in forming the GB government.
He added that while the PML‑N will take opposition seats in the Gilgit‑Baltistan Legislative Assembly, its members will vote alongside the PPP to enable government formation.
In a statement, Bilawal affirmed that acknowledging the PPP’s majority in GB continues a democratic tradition, describing the premier’s invitation to form the government as a “positive step.”
The PPP secured 11 seats, the PML‑N six, and independents four; additionally, two PTI‑backed candidates and one MWM candidate also emerged victorious.
Results for three constituencies are pending and will be announced on June 17.
A majority of thirteen seats is needed to form a government. Nonetheless, the PML‑N, the second‑largest party in the GB polls, has invited its central coalition partner, the PPP, to lead the government.