PM discusses formation of G-B govt with governor

Nawaz applauds hard work of party's G-B election cell; asks team to devise strategy for AJK polls

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed the formation of the government in Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday while applauding the PML-N's election cell for securing victory in the recently-held polls.

“The premier congratulated Governor G-B Chaudhry Barjees Tahir on the party's victory and discussed the formation of the government with him,” sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.

“Nawaz applauded the hard work of the party's G-B election cell which worked day and night to make sure the PML-N secured a majority in the G-B’s legislative assembly polls.” the source added.

Read: Done and dusted: Caretaker CM lauds peaceful elections in Gilgit-Baltistan

According to the PM House, the G-B governor met with the premier and congratulated him for holding peaceful elections in the region. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudry Nisar were also present in the meeting.

After securing 13 of the 24 seats, PML-N is the single largest majority party in G-B Legislative Assembly and can easily form its own government. PML-N emerged victorious in the June 8 Legislative Assembly elections -- held for a second time in the region after it was given provincial status in 2009.

“PML-N had formed a cell located in the office of ministry of Kashmir Affairs and G-B at Islamabad where they worked hard on campaigning for the party ahead of the elections,” party officials said.

According to details, apart from the G-B governor, Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer and BISP Chairperson Marvi Memon along with other senior bureaucrats were a part of the cell.

“During the meeting today, PM Nawaz appreciated the role of the cell particularly in the distribution of party tickets, organising public rallies, sending faces to address the gatherings and other things,” the source said.

Read: Gilgit-Baltistan polls: PML-N grabs half of assembly seats

Further, the source added, “The premier encouraged the cell and assigned them to another task to start preparations for upcoming elections in legislative polls in Azad Jammu and Kashmi.”

“The same cell and members will devise a strategy for the upcoming AJK Assembly elections,” the source added.

The senior leadership also applauded active role of Marvi Memon.

Read: G-B elections: PML-N ahead of rivals with 11 seats

“Memon on the direction of senior party leadership participated in party meetings at G-B and organised campaigns and strategies which proved successful,” the source said, adding that she has been tasked to devise a strategy for AJK election cell as well.