Delegations from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) met in Gilgit on Thursday to discuss possible arrangements for forming the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the recent legislative assembly elections.
According to party statements, the meeting focused on various proposals regarding power-sharing and political cooperation after unofficial results showed the PPP emerging as the leading party with 11 seats in the 24-member assembly. The PML-N secured six seats, making it the second-largest party in the region.
The PPP delegation described the discussions as a “major breakthrough” in the process of government formation, saying that both sides agreed to present the proposals to their respective central leaderships for final approval. The party emphasized that all decisions would be made in line with democratic principles and in the public interest.
The PML-N, in its statement, confirmed that multiple proposals were considered during the meeting and said both sides had agreed to continue consultations. It added that the future course of action would be determined after reviewing the proposals at the leadership level.
Senior leaders from both parties attended the meeting. The PPP delegation included Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sharjeel Inam Memon, and Nasir Hussain Shah, along with Gilgit-Baltistan chapter president Advocate Amjad Hussain, who is being considered for the chief minister’s slot.
The PML-N delegation was led by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and GB President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, a former chief minister of the region.
According to unofficial Form-47 results, independent candidates secured four seats, while the PTI-backed candidates won two seats and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) secured one seat.
Final consolidation of results in some constituencies has been delayed due to re-polling in five areas, including Skardu-II, Astore-I, and three constituencies in Diamer.
Political observers say coalition-building will be crucial in determining the next government, as no single party has secured an outright majority in the assembly.