GILGIT: The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has expressed its support for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in establishing a coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan, announced during a joint press conference in Gilgit on Sunday. The move follows the PPP’s recent agreement with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on a power-sharing arrangement.
Alliance Details and Leadership
IPP GB President Haji Gul Bar Khan confirmed that his party would join the PPP-led alliance, with further negotiations on alliance specifics to be handled by the central leadership of both parties.
PPP GB President Amjad Hussain described the collaboration between PPP, PML-N, and IPP as a positive step toward regional development and prosperity. He also stated that the formal process of government formation would commence on Monday.
Recent Political Developments
The day prior, the PPP announced a consensus with PML-N, which entails that the PPP will hold the chief minister’s office, while PML-N will administer the governor’s position. The two parties emphasized that this alliance was forged through mutual understanding and consultative discussions.
Additionally, the opposition leader in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly will be from PML-N, alongside the post of deputy speaker. The recent elections for the 24-seat GB Assembly were held on June 7, with the PPP emerging as the largest party, securing nine seats. PML-N obtained six seats out of the 21 contested constituencies.
Although the IPP did not win any seats in the election, four independent candidates joined the party following a meeting with Communications Minister and IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan on June 16. The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen secured one seat, and an independent candidate also won a seat, based on official results.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has noted that results for GBA-9 Skardu-3, GBA-15 Diamer-1, and GBA-17 Diamer-3 will be announced at a later date.
