PPP, PML-N mull G-B alliance

Parties refer proposals to central leadership after key meeting

GILGIT:

Efforts to shape the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan gathered momentum on Thursday as senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) held a key meeting to discuss possible arrangements for forming an administration in the region following the June 7 elections.

Delegations from both parties met in Gilgit and held detailed discussions on various proposals related to government formation.

According to separate statements issued by the two sides, the proposals will now be presented to their respective central leaderships before any final decision is taken.

In its statement, the PPP said the meeting was a "major breakthrough" in the process of government formation. The party said discussions also covered political cooperation as well as a range of national and domestic issues.

The PPP delegation maintained that the people of G-B had given the party the mandate by "making it the largest party". It added that all decisions regarding the formation of the next government would be taken in line with democratic principles, political consultation and public interest.

The PML-N, meanwhile, said that "several proposals came under consideration and it was agreed to move forward with the consultation process".

The PPP delegation included Secretary General Nayyar 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 party's G-B chapter and a leading contender for the chief minister's office, also attended the meeting.