PPP, PML-N strike deal to form G-B govt
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday announced a power-sharing agreement to form the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan, with the PPP securing the chief minister's office and the PML-N receiving the governor's office, deputy speaker's position and the leader of the opposition slot under a mutually agreed formula.
The announcement came after detailed consultations, mutual confidence-building and consensus between the local leadership and organisational representatives of both parties.
Addressing a joint press conference in Gilgit, the two sides said the agreement reflected their shared commitment to political stability, public welfare and the strengthening of democratic values in the region.
Under the agreed formula, the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan will belong to the PPP, while the office of governor, the deputy speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and the leader of the opposition will go to the PML-N.
PML-N Gilgit-Baltistan President and former chief minister Hafeezur Rehman announced that his party would vote for the PPP's candidate for leader of the house and also support the PPP's nominee for the office of speaker.
He said the posts of governor and deputy speaker would be allocated to the PML-N in line with the formula agreed at the federal level.
PPP leaders thanked the PML-N leadership for announcing its support for the party's candidate for chief minister, saying both parties would work together in the assembly for the broader interests of Gilgit-Baltistan.
PPP leader Amjad Hussain Advocate said any decision regarding a possible alliance with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) would be made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The joint press conference was attended by senior PPP leaders Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Amjad Hussain Advocate, as well as former Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister Hafeezur Rehman and PML-N parliamentary members.
In a joint statement, the two parties said the coalition arrangement was aimed at ensuring political stability, addressing public issues, accelerating the development process and strengthening democratic institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan.
They said the agreed public mandate formula reflected political harmony and mutual consultation, adding that both parties had resolved to rise above partisan interests and work together for the national interest, public service and the prosperity of Pakistan.
The statement lauded the formation of the coalition government as an important step towards promoting political tolerance, national unity and democratic continuity, while ensuring effective, stable and people-centric governance in Gilgit-Baltistan.