Gilgit-Baltistan Government Formation: PPP and PML-N Likely to Join Hands

ISLAMABAD: After the recent Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, political activities for government formation have intensified and according to sources, the prospects of an alliance between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) are becoming brighter. The impression is growing in political circles that the two major parties are holding serious consultations to form a joint government in the region.

According to unofficial and preliminary election results, the Pakistan Peoples Party has emerged as the largest party, while the Muslim League (N) has also achieved notable success. Despite the presence of independent candidates and other political parties, cooperation between the major parties for government formation is being considered important for the political stability of the region.

Sources say that in the case of the proposed alliance, the post of Chief Minister may go to the Pakistan Peoples Party, while the post of Governor Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to go to the Muslim League (N). Moreover, a 60 and 40 percent formula is also being considered for the distribution of ministries in the cabinet, under which the parliamentary strength and political status of both parties will be taken into account.

According to political observers, if this alliance comes into being, it will not only help in establishing a strong government in Gilgit-Baltistan but will also promote harmony between the federation and the region. A stable political arrangement is being considered indispensable for accelerating development projects, infrastructure improvement and public welfare programs at the government level.

In this context, an important meeting was held between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Presidential Palace in which the political situation of Gilgit-Baltistan and the possibilities of government formation were discussed. According to sources, the situation of Azad Kashmir and other national issues were also discussed in the meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah were present in the meeting. This high-level consultation of the political leadership is being described as a precursor to important political decisions in the coming days.

The meeting was also attended by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Saleem Mandviwala. Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Rathore and former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf also attended.

Analysts say that a broad-based coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan can play a significant role in ensuring political stability in the region, continuity of the development process and better ties at the federal level. If the talks between the two parties are successful, the government formation process is likely to be completed quickly in the coming days.