PPP, PML-N agree to form coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday formally agreed to form a coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan, ending uncertainty over the region's political future following the recently concluded elections.

Announcing the development in a statement shared on social media, the PPP said the decision was reached after extensive consultations and consensus-building between the leadership and organisational structures of both parties in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The two parties pledged to work together in the larger interest of political stability, public welfare, democratic continuity and socio-economic development in the strategically important region.

Under the agreed formula, the PPP will hold the office of the chief minister, while the PML-N will be allotted the positions of governor, leader of the opposition and deputy speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

The arrangement reflects what both parties described as a "public mandate formula" based on mutual consultation, cooperation and political harmony.

According to the joint understanding, the coalition aims to ensure stable governance, address public concerns, accelerate development projects and strengthen democratic institutions in the region.

The statement emphasised that political stability remains essential for tackling the challenges facing both Gilgit-Baltistan and the country as a whole.

It noted that the two parties had reaffirmed their commitment to work beyond partisan considerations and prioritise national interests, public service and democratic governance.

The coalition was described as an important step towards promoting political tolerance, national unity and democratic continuity, with both parties expressing confidence that the partnership would deliver effective and people-centric governance.

The coalition agreement comes after the PPP emerged as the largest party in the 24-member Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly by securing the highest number of seats.

The PML-N finished as the second-largest party with six seats, positioning itself as a key stakeholder in the formation of the new government.

Meanwhile, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) became the third-largest parliamentary group after four newly elected independent candidates joined the party following the elections.

The coalition arrangement follows political consultations at the national level in the aftermath of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier congratulated the PPP on emerging as the leading political force in the region and indicated that the PML-N would support efforts to ensure a smooth transition and stable administration.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive example of democratic cooperation and political maturity.

He expressed appreciation for the spirit of collaboration shown by all stakeholders and said the incoming government would focus on addressing governance challenges, improving public services and advancing the development agenda in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Political observers view the coalition as a significant development that could foster greater stability in the region and strengthen cooperation between the two major parties at both regional and national levels.