PPP’s Amjad Hussain Elected Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
The Pakistan Peoples Party secured a major victory in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Monday as Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as chief minister, only hours after newly elected lawmakers were sworn in. Earlier in the day, Imran Nadeem Shigri was chosen as speaker of the assembly, while Malik Kifayatur Rehman secured the position of deputy speaker. Following his election, Nadeem announced the schedule for selecting the leader of the House, setting a deadline of 7:40 pm for submission and withdrawal of nomination papers for the chief minister’s post before temporarily adjourning proceedings. Advocate Amjad Hussain submitted his nomination papers, but with no rival candidate entering the race, Speaker Nadeem officially declared him elected unopposed as the new chief minister at 8 pm. Meanwhile, the speaker also named Hafeezur Rehman, president of Pakistan Muslim League (N) in the region, as the opposition leader after opposition lawmakers submitted a formal request. The assembly session drew a packed audience, with supporters, journalists, political figures, visitors and dignitaries filling the hall and press galleries. Among those attending from the VIP gallery were Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Syed Mehdi Shah, as enthusiastic supporters celebrated the winning candidates with loud slogans. Who is Amjad Hussain, PPP’s Nominee for GB Chief Minister?