Bilawal Bhutto Welcomes Invitation to Form Government in Gilgit-Baltistan
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has welcomed the invitation to form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his support in the process.
The development comes after the PPP secured 11 out of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, according to unofficial election results (Form-47) from the June 7 polls.
Political Understanding on Government Formation
According to official statements, the Prime Minister has assured full support from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for the formation of a PPP-led government in the region.
The PML-N has decided to sit in the opposition in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. However, its elected members are expected to vote in favour of the PPP during the government formation process.
Bilawal’s Statement
In his statement, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari described the development as a continuation of democratic practice and termed the invitation to form government a positive step.
He also thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their trust in the PPP, saying that the party has been given the responsibility to safeguard public rights, including property, employment, and constitutional protections.
Power-Sharing Arrangement
Under a consensus between the two parties, it has been agreed that key positions such as the Governor and Deputy Speaker of Gilgit-Baltistan will be allocated to the PML-N.
Both parties have also discussed broader political cooperation and regional development matters during recent meetings between their delegations.
Background Talks
Earlier, delegations from the PPP and PML-N held discussions in Gilgit-Baltistan regarding the formation of government following the recent elections. Party leaders described the talks as constructive and a step forward toward consensus-based governance.
Further consultations between the two sides are expected as the process of government formation moves ahead in the region.
