Sixth G-B independent lawmaker joins PTI

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strengthened its majority in the newly-elected legislative assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan with the joining of another independent lawmakers.

The PTI, which had 10 seats in the 24-strong house, was joined by five newly-elected independent lawmakers on Thursday, which gave its simple majority. A sixth independent lawmaker joined the party on Friday.

Haji Shah Baig won the November 15 election from GBA-15 Diamer 1 constituency. The election was held on 23 seats, as the polling in one constituency was postponed after the death of a candidate. In the election, the opposition PPP and the PML-N won 3 and 2 seats, respectively, while seven independents returned successful. The MWM, and ally of the PTI, has one seat in the house.