Delegations from the PPP and PML-N met in Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday to discuss proposals for forming the region’s next government following the recent elections.
The PPP is poised to form the government after unofficial Forms-47 from the June 7 polls showed it winning 11 of the 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.
Senior leaders from the PPP and the PML-N, which won six seats, held detailed talks in Gilgit on possible arrangements for the formation of the new administration.
In a statement, the PPP described the meeting as a “major breakthrough,” saying both sides agreed to share the proposals with their respective central leadership for further review.
The discussions also covered political cooperation, along with broader national and domestic issues.
The PPP delegation said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had given the party a mandate by making it the largest political force in the assembly.
Party leaders said all decisions on government formation would be made through democratic principles, political consultation and public interest.
For its part, the PML-N said “several proposals came under consideration” and that both parties had agreed to continue consultations.
The party said the final course of action would be decided after the proposals were reviewed and the central leadership of both parties had been taken into confidence.
The PPP delegation included Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah.
Advocate Amjad Hussain, president of the PPP’s Gilgit-Baltistan chapter and a leading contender for the chief minister’s office, also attended the meeting.
The PML-N delegation included Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam and party’s GB president Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, a former chief minister.
According to Forms-47 issued by returning officers from all 24 constituencies, the PPP secured 11 seats, while the PML-N won six.
PTI-backed candidates won two seats, while their ally, the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, claimed one. Independent candidates secured four seats.
The final consolidation of results has been put on hold until re-polling is completed at certain polling stations in five constituencies: Skardu-II (GBA-8), Astore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16) and Diamer-III (GBA-17).