PPP's G-B challenge
After Sindh and AJK, the PPP has formed a government in Gilgit-Baltistan – its third in the country. With Amjad Hussain swearing in as the Chief Minister of the picturesque-cum-strategic northern region, the party has a challenge to dispense in the form of good governance. The party must take serious steps to implement its manifesto, most notably the promise to integrate Gilgit-Baltistan as Pakistan's fifth province while securing its financial and legal rights under the 18th Constitutional Amendment. That is, however, a daunting task for the PPP whose performance in other fiefdoms has been lackluster.
The PPP, by securing the support of independent candidates after winning 12 of the 24 general seats, has formed a majority while the PML-N sits on the opposition benches. To truly deliver, the PPP must now fulfil the three core principles championed by Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: local ownership, governance and employment; regional development; and political stability.
The outgoing legislature witnessed two chief executives serve during an era marred by persistent bickering and defections. Now with the PPP at the helm without the support of the PML-N, which literally controls the resources from the Federation, some masterful political maneuvering is desired. Likewise, the fact that allies at the Centre had traded allegations of pre-poll rigging and ballot irregularities, it won't be an easy proposition for the PPP to sail smoothly, especially as the aggrieved PTI too sits fingers crossed.
It is no less a treat for the PPP as the electorate voted for it despite the fact that it is not part of the Cabinet at the Centre. This is, indeed, a departure from the conventional political trend, and must be taken by the PPP as an opportunity to make it big. The administration's immediate benchmarks must be the transition from a temporary administrative set-up to a provisional provincial status, while prioritising funding shortfalls, energy shortages, and the swift completion of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.