The race begins: PML-N leaders eye Gilgit-Baltistan governor slot

Express desire to replace Pir Karam Ali Shah.

GILGIT:

A change in the government at the centre has brought forth many aspirants for the slot of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) governor after regional chief of the victorious Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) hinted at sending the incumbent governor packing.

Hafizur Rahman expressed his desire to replace the existing governor with one from PML-N a day after his party emerged as the largest force in the May 11 polls. The shift of power at the centre is bound to affect G-B’s government as it is dependent on the federal government for funds and budget.



Presently, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is the ruling party in G-B, with Mehdi Shah the chief minister and Pir Karam Ali Shah the governor.

“We will not accept an imported governor for G-B,” said Janbaz Khan of PML-N, who is currently the opposition leader in the G-B Assembly. “We have made sacrifices for the party, therefore we will not tolerate any cheating,” he said, indirectly proposing himself for the post.

Janbaz was among those who played an active part during the campaigning for PML-N candidate in Mansehra and other areas.

Another senior leader of PML-N from Ghizer valley, Sultan Madad quietly reached Raiwind to congratulate PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif for the victory.

Similarly, G-B’s former chief executive Mir Ghazanfar is said to be yet another hopeful, justifying his selection for the position. On Tuesday, he demanded the dissolution of the G-B Assembly, terming it “corrupt”.



Ghazanfar switched to PML-Quaid (PML-Q) during General Pervez Musharraf’s government, but returned to PML-N after Musharraf’s tenure ended.

Former speaker of G-B Assembly, Malik Miskeen from Diamer valley is also in line, hoping to be the next governor. Like Ghazanfar, the seasoned politician from Diamer Valley switched to PML-Q during Musharraf’s government and returned to the PML-N’s fold recently.

As the strength of the aspirants swell, Hafizur Rahman said the issue would be decided after consultation with the central leadership.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2013.