PPP's Amjad Hussain elected as G-B chief minister

House also elects its speaker and deputy speaker from PPP and PML-N, respectively

GILGIT:

In the first session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Monday, PPP-nominated candidate Amjad Hussain Advocate was elected unopposed as chief minister of the region. The PML-N's Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was also elected as leader of the opposition.

The session was presided over by outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate. The PPP-nominated chief minister enjoyed the support of at least 28 members from the PPP, the PML-N, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party in the 33-member house.

The first session of the assembly saw oath-taking by 30 members, followed by the election for the two key constitutional offices: speaker and deputy speaker.

PPP's Imran Nadeem, a newly elected member of the G-B Assembly from Shigar district, was declared elected as speaker after no other candidate submitted nomination papers for the post within the stipulated time.

Malik Kifayatur Rehman, a newly elected PML-N member of the assembly, was elected deputy speaker unopposed as no rival candidate filed nomination papers against him. Following scrutiny of nomination papers, he was formally declared elected to the office.

Members of the assembly and political leaders congratulated both elected office-bearers and expressed confidence that they would uphold democratic traditions and ensure the smooth and impartial functioning of the House.

Malik Kifayatur Rehman is the son of late Malik Miskeen, a former speaker of the G-B Assembly from district Diamer Tangeer. He has been elected to the Assembly for the first time.

The 33-member house comprises 24 general seats, six reserved seats for women, and three seats for technocrats and professionals. Although all nine reserved seats have been allocated, the G-B Election Commission has so far issued notifications for only 21 of the 24 general seats, taking the total number of notified members to 30.

The party position in the house has now become clear. The PPP Parliamentary Group holds 13 seats, including 9 general, 3 women, and 1 technocrat seat. The PML-N holds 9 seats, including 6 general, 2 women, and 1 technocrat seat.

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has 6 seats, including 4 general, 1 woman, and 1 technocrat seat. The MWM holds 1 general seat, while there is also 1 general seat held by a PTI-backed independent candidate. Results of three general seats from Diamer and Skardu have not yet been notified due to legal and electoral proceedings.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the G-B chief minister on his election.