Four names sent to PM for G-B chief minister

Newly elected lawmakers sworn in during inaugural session; election of speaker, deputy today

GILGIT:

Several names have emerged for the coveted position of chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan as the new legislative assembly was sworn in on Wednesday, a day after the election commission of the region issued the official results of the regional election won by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

According to sources, four names – Fatehullah, Khalid Khurshid, Col R Obaidullah and Advocate Nazir Ahmed – are with Prime Minister Imran Khan for consideration. The sources also said that Huma Khalid was also among the contenders, adding that the prime minister can make a surprise choice.

G-B went to election on November 15 to elect 24 lawmakers of the legislative assembly on general seats. The voting was held on 23 seats as the election was delayed because of the death of a candidate. The by-poll to that seat was held last week.

On Wednesday, the G-B chief election commissioner announced the official results of the election, along with the allocation of 9 reserved seats for women and technocrats. According to the notification, the PTI gained two-thirds majority with the joining of six independent lawmakers.

According to the official results, PTI had 22 seats in the 33-strong house. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) followed with 5 and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 3. The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and independent share one seat each.

All the newly-elected lawmakers were sworn during the inaugural session of the assembly, chaired by Speaker Haji Fida Muhammad Nashad. The speaker administered the oath. Addressing the session Nashad congratulated the newly-election members.

Nashad expressed hope that all the members would play their role in resolving issues issue of Gilgit-Baltistan. “People have trusted you and chose you for this great work, so must never disappoint the nation,” he said. Always uphold the dignity of the assembly and never tarnish its image.”

Later, the speaker adjourned the session for Thursday (today) evening for the election of the new speaker and deputy speaker. The schedule for the election of the two posts were also announced on Wednesday.