GILGIT: Delegations of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) held a consultative meeting in Gilgit, raising expectations of a political breakthrough regarding the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The meeting comes in the wake of recent election results, where no single party secured an outright majority in the regional assembly.
Detailed Discussions on Government Formation
According to sources familiar with the discussions, representatives of both parties held extensive talks on possible formulas for government formation, political cooperation, and other matters related to the future administration of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The discussions reportedly focused on building consensus and ensuring political stability in the region following the elections.
Sources indicated that the atmosphere of the meeting was constructive, leading observers to believe that significant progress may have been achieved.
Senior PPP Leaders Attend Meeting
The PPP delegation included several senior party leaders, among them:
- Nayyar Hussain Bukhari
- Qamar Zaman Kaira
- Sharjeel Inam Memon
- Nasir Hussain Shah
- Amjad Hussain Advocate, President of PPP Gilgit-Baltistan
The presence of senior party leadership highlighted the importance being attached to the government formation process.
Political Cooperation Under Discussion
Sources said the two sides explored various options aimed at ensuring a stable governing arrangement in the assembly.
Political cooperation, support mechanisms, and potential power-sharing understandings were among the topics reportedly discussed during the meeting.
However, no official details of any agreement have yet been released.
Background: PPP Emerged as Largest Party
According to unofficial election results announced earlier, the PPP emerged as the single largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
The reported seat distribution stands at:
- PPP: 10 seats
- Independent candidates: 7 seats
- PML-N: 6 seats
A total of 13 seats are required to secure a majority in the 24-member assembly.
Because no party has achieved the required number on its own, alliances and political understandings are considered essential for forming the next government.
Expectations of a Political Breakthrough
Political observers believe the latest round of discussions could pave the way for an agreement that would clarify the future governing arrangement in the region.
Recent statements by senior leaders of both PPP and PML-N have suggested support for the principle that the largest party should be given the opportunity to form the government.
The consultative meeting is therefore being viewed as an important step toward finalizing a political framework and avoiding prolonged uncertainty.
Official Announcement Awaited
Although sources have expressed optimism regarding a possible breakthrough, both parties are yet to issue a formal statement outlining the outcome of the talks.
Further meetings and consultations are expected in the coming days as political leaders work to finalize the composition of the next Gilgit-Baltistan government.
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