Four independent GB lawmakers join IPP

ISLAMABAD: Four newly elected independent members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly have announced that they are joining the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party after meeting party president and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.

The legislators who declared their affiliation with the party are Anwar Ali from G-BA-23 Ghanche-II, Dr Asad Shafiq from G-BA-24 Ghanche-III, Muhammad Dilpazeer from GBA-15 Diamer-I and Aman Ali Amir from GBA-21 Yasin.

The development comes as political parties continue consultations and alliance-building in the run-up to the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan. Although IPP had fielded candidates in a number of constituencies during the elections, it did not win any seat outright. With the induction of the four independents, however, the party has now secured representation in the newly elected assembly and may become a factor in the ongoing political negotiations.

Government formation talks continue

Under unofficial results of the June 7 elections, the Pakistan Peoples Party emerged as the largest party with 10 seats in the 24-member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly. After the outcome, delegations from the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz visited Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss options for government formation.

Senior leaders of both parties held detailed consultations on proposals related to power-sharing and governance. At the same time, a wider opposition alliance that includes Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rejected the election outcome, alleging rigging and manipulation, and said it would pursue protests and further political action.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while congratulating the PPP on its win, said the PML-N would sit on the opposition benches in Gilgit-Baltistan. He also said the party’s elected members would support the PPP in voting so that it could form the government.