PPP, PML-N hold talks on govt formation in Gilgit-Baltistan
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GILGIT – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leaders have held a meeting in Gilgit to deliberate on possible power-sharing arrangements for the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the June 7 elections. A post shared by the PML-N on X (formerly Twitter) showed that the meeting took place at a local hotel and brought together high-level delegations from both parties as discussions on coalition possibilities gained pace. The PML-N delegation included Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Amir Muqam and PML-N Gilgit-Baltistan President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. The PPP side was represented by senior figures Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, PPP Gilgit-Baltistan President Amjad Hussain Advocate, and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah. A statement issued after the meeting said both sides reviewed the prevailing political situation in the region and discussed various options regarding the formation of the next government. The development comes as no single party has secured an outright majority in the 33-member Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, making coalition politics essential for government formation. The provisional results showed that the PPP has emerged as the largest party with 10 seats out of 24 contested, followed by the PML-N with six seats. PTI-backed candidates secured two seats, while five independents and one candidate of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) also won seats. With no clear majority, political parties are now engaged in negotiations to secure alliances, and both sides agreed to continue consultations on different government formation options. The proposals discussed in the meeting will be presented to their respective central and regional leaderships for further consideration. Meanwhile, election results have been contested by several political parties. The PTI has rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities and man