PPP, PML-N delegations meet in GB, discuss formula to form govt

Delegations of the PPP and the PML-N met in Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss proposals for forming a government in the region after the recent elections, the parties said on Thursday.

The PPP is all set to form a government in the region after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legi­slative Assembly, according to unofficial results (Forms-47) of the June 7 elections.

Key leaders of the PPP and the PML-N, which secured six seats, met in Gilgit to hold detailed deliberations on proposals related to the formation of the upcoming GB government.

In its statement, the PPP claimed a “major breakthrough” in the process, saying that the parties decided to present the proposals for government formation to their respective central leadership.

It said the discussions also pertained to political cooperation, along with various national and domestic issues.

The PPP delegation asserted that the people of GB had given it the mandate by “making it the largest party”, its statement said.

The party leaders stated that all decisions on government formation will be made keeping in view democratic principles, political consultations and public interests.

Meanwhile, the PML-N statement said that “several proposals came under consideration and it was agreed to move forward with the consultation process”.

It noted that the future course of action would be determined after the proposals are reviewed and both parties’ central leadership were taken into confidence.

PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah were part of the PPP delegation.

The main contender for the chief minister’s slot from the PPP, its GB chapter president Advocate Amjad Hussain was also present.

The PML-N side included Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and its GB President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, also a former chief minister.

As per Forms-47 issued by returning officers from 24 constituencies, the PPP bagged 11 seats in the elections, with the PML-N trailing with six seats.

The candidates backed by the PTI won two seats, and its ally Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) was victorious in one seat. Independent candidates secured four seats.

The consolidation of the results has been barred until re-polling at certain polling stations in five constituencies is complete — Skardu-II (GBA-8), Ast­ore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16) and Diamer-III (GBA-17).