The president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) chapter Hafizur Rehman seems to have become the de facto chief minister (CM) following his party’s landslide victory in the general polls.
Currently, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is the ruling party in G-B’s coalition government, with Mehdi Shah as the CM and Pir Karam Ali Shah as governor. A change at the centre is bound to affect the government of G-B because it is dependent on the federal government for funds and its budget.
The PML-N’s office in Gilgit was seen flooded by people from all walks of life coming to congratulate Rehman on his party’s success for the second consecutive day after the unofficial results were announced.
Apart from the general public, Rehman is reportedly being greeted by his political opponents, ruling parties’ lawmakers and
bureaucrats alike.
CM Mehdi Shah also called Rehman to congratulate him, though he could not get through to him the first three times owing to Rehman’s “busy schedule”.
“The situation in G-B has changed suddenly. It seems the PML-N is the ruling party and Rehman the new chief minister,” said Khalid Iqbal, a senior analyst. “I don’t think the PML-N central leadership will act against the G-B government, but it is very likely that Shah will be made accountable for what he has done during the past three years in power.”
Rehman has ruled out the possibility of toppling Shah’s government before it completes its tenure in 2014. However, it is widely believed Shah’s heydays have come to an end.
Rehman’s close aides claim dozens of government officials and rival party leaders have approached him, ‘offering their services.’
Shah, in an attempt to downplay the hype surrounding PML-N’s victory, has said the win will not affect his government. In a statement issued late on Sunday, Shah said: “Certain people of a dictatorial mindset may wish to topple the government, but I am sure the independent media and judiciary will not let that happen.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2013.
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Stop treating GB like a slave state. Make them a proper province of Pakistan just like the people want
I think let them complete the 5 years of tenure but who will gurentee the financial condition of GB which is going worst day by day, Not a single project is launched in GB so far by present Govt.
Change in Gilgit Baltistan is imminent now but PML-N must not make any attempt to attach Gilgit Baltistan with Kashmir. In November 2013 PML-N demanded joint upper house between GB and Kashmir. Any such attempt will lead the region into a political turmoil. We hope PML-N will restrain from any such foolish act.
PMLN demand
I know for sure Hafizur Rehman President PMLN GB can put his best to improve governance structures including forming and strengthening local institutions-public program designs/ delivery issues, conflict management. Collective efforts of political parties can attract investment in mining, hydro power generation and tourism which are most needed to improve well being of over a million people living in those mountainous parts of the world.
Beginning of the End.