Changing faces: Governor GB to be replaced
PML-N members in the region jockeying for position.
Pir Karam Ali Shah. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The race for the prized governorship of the country’s alpine region of Gilgit Baltistan is in full swing, with aspirants jockeying for position as the incumbent Governor, Pir Karam Ali Shah is likely to be replaced soon after the new setup is installed in Islamabad.
Shah, who was selected to be governor by the former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government, assumed office in 2012 after the tragic demise of Dr Shama Khalid, the first Gilgit Baltistan governor.
The Gilgit Baltistan chapter of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has recommended to its central party leadership the immediate replacement of Shah. Party affiliation and Shah’s inability to meet the expectations of the region’s people have been cited as the primary reasons for the change and PML-N leadership has agreed to materialise this suggestion after consultations.
According to sources, the party central leadership had offered the position to PML-N chief coordinator in Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. However Rehman, who has been with the party for over 13 years and remained loyal during turbulent times, has declined the offer
citing the non-partisan nature of the office. With Rehman’s refusal to give up his political activities, frontrunners in the race for the governorship now include former deputy chief executive of Gilgit Baltistan Mir Ghazanfar, former speaker legislative assembly Malik Maskeen, senior PML-N leader Sultan Madad and Dr Anjum.
A senior leader of the PML-N in Gilgit Baltistan has revealed that currently Malik Maskeen is the frontrunner for the position. The source says that since Maskeen belongs to Diamer, which presently has low representation in the current political set-up in the region, his chances of securing the governorship seem bright.
Senior party leadership are currently weighing various options, keeping in mind regional, sectarian as well as ethnic background to ensure balanced representation in the GB political administration.
Confirming these reports, Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman has told The Express Tribune that imminent changes in the Gilgit Baltistan administration are expected following the formation of a PML-N government in the centre.
Despite his apparent refusal to take on the governor position, sources reveal that Hafiz has already taken a keen interest in streamlining the affairs of the Gilgit Baltistan administration. Hafiz has reportedly contacted finance minister in-waiting Ishaq Dar and highlighted the financial crisis facing the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.
The race for the prized governorship of the country’s alpine region of Gilgit Baltistan is in full swing, with aspirants jockeying for position as the incumbent Governor, Pir Karam Ali Shah is likely to be replaced soon after the new setup is installed in Islamabad.
Shah, who was selected to be governor by the former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government, assumed office in 2012 after the tragic demise of Dr Shama Khalid, the first Gilgit Baltistan governor.
The Gilgit Baltistan chapter of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has recommended to its central party leadership the immediate replacement of Shah. Party affiliation and Shah’s inability to meet the expectations of the region’s people have been cited as the primary reasons for the change and PML-N leadership has agreed to materialise this suggestion after consultations.
According to sources, the party central leadership had offered the position to PML-N chief coordinator in Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. However Rehman, who has been with the party for over 13 years and remained loyal during turbulent times, has declined the offer
citing the non-partisan nature of the office. With Rehman’s refusal to give up his political activities, frontrunners in the race for the governorship now include former deputy chief executive of Gilgit Baltistan Mir Ghazanfar, former speaker legislative assembly Malik Maskeen, senior PML-N leader Sultan Madad and Dr Anjum.
A senior leader of the PML-N in Gilgit Baltistan has revealed that currently Malik Maskeen is the frontrunner for the position. The source says that since Maskeen belongs to Diamer, which presently has low representation in the current political set-up in the region, his chances of securing the governorship seem bright.
Senior party leadership are currently weighing various options, keeping in mind regional, sectarian as well as ethnic background to ensure balanced representation in the GB political administration.
Confirming these reports, Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman has told The Express Tribune that imminent changes in the Gilgit Baltistan administration are expected following the formation of a PML-N government in the centre.
Despite his apparent refusal to take on the governor position, sources reveal that Hafiz has already taken a keen interest in streamlining the affairs of the Gilgit Baltistan administration. Hafiz has reportedly contacted finance minister in-waiting Ishaq Dar and highlighted the financial crisis facing the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.