ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to support the formation of a PPP-led government in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), describing the move as a positive step toward strengthening democratic traditions and political cooperation.
The development comes after the PPP emerged as the largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections, positioning itself to form the next regional government.
PM Shehbaz Announces PML-N Support
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would sit on the opposition benches in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly while extending its support to the PPP during the government formation process.
According to the prime minister, elected members of the PML-N in the assembly would vote in favor of the PPP, enabling the party to secure the required numbers to establish the next government in the region.
He also assured the PPP of full cooperation throughout the process and emphasized the importance of political stability and democratic continuity in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Bilawal Terms Move a Positive Democratic Step
Reacting to the announcement, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and welcomed the decision.
In a statement, Bilawal said that acknowledging the PPP’s electoral mandate and majority position in the assembly reflected respect for democratic values and traditions.
He described the invitation to form the government as a constructive and positive development for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
“Recognising the Pakistan Peoples Party’s majority in Gilgit-Baltistan demonstrates the continuation of democratic traditions and political maturity,” Bilawal stated.
Power-Sharing Formula Agreed
Bilawal revealed that discussions between the PPP and PML-N had produced a consensus formula regarding the distribution of key constitutional positions within the regional setup.
According to the agreement, the positions of Governor and Deputy Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly will be allocated to the PML-N, while the PPP will lead the government.
The arrangement is aimed at ensuring political cooperation and smooth governance in the strategically important region.
Bilawal said the understanding reflects the spirit of consensus politics and cooperation between democratic forces.
PPP Pledges Service to People of Gilgit-Baltistan
The PPP chairman thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for placing their trust in the party during the elections.
He said the mandate given to the PPP carries a responsibility to protect the constitutional, employment, and property rights of the people of the region.
“The Pakistan Peoples Party will dedicate all its energies and capabilities to serving the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and addressing their concerns,” Bilawal said.
He vowed that the party would work diligently to fulfill the expectations of voters and promote development across the region.
PPP and PML-N Hold Detailed Consultations
The announcement follows a series of meetings between delegations of the PPP and PML-N in Gilgit-Baltistan earlier this week.
Senior leaders from both parties held detailed discussions regarding government formation, governance priorities, and power-sharing arrangements.
In a statement issued after the meetings, the PPP described the talks as a “major breakthrough” and confirmed that recommendations would be presented to the central leadership of both parties for final approval.
The discussions also covered broader political cooperation and issues of national and regional importance.
Election Results Favor PPP
The latest political development follows the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections held on June 7.
According to unofficial Form-47 results, the PPP secured 11 out of the 24 general seats in the assembly, emerging as the single largest political party.
The outcome placed the PPP in a strong position to form the next government, though support from other political groups remained important to ensure a stable administration.
Political observers view the support extended by the PML-N as a significant step toward avoiding political uncertainty and ensuring a smooth transition of power.
Importance of Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan holds strategic, economic, and political significance due to its location and growing role in regional connectivity and development initiatives.
The incoming government will face key challenges, including infrastructure development, employment generation, tourism promotion, constitutional reforms, and public service delivery.
With government formation now appearing increasingly certain, attention is expected to shift toward cabinet formation, policy priorities, and development plans for the region.
The cooperation between the PPP and PML-N is being viewed as an effort to promote political stability and strengthen democratic institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan while ensuring effective governance for its residents.
