Four Independents Join Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party in Gilgit-Baltistan
Four independent candidates, recently elected in the Gilgit-Baltistan general elections, have joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) after meeting with party President Abdul Aleem Khan. This marks the IPP's first representation in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. The move comes as political discussions for government formation continue in the region, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) engaging in agreements for establishing the new administration.
Four independent candidates, who secured victories in the recent Gilgit-Baltistan general elections, have officially become members of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). This decision followed a meeting with IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan.
The new members include Anwar Ali, elected from GBA-23 Ghanche-II; Dr. Asad Shafiq, representing GBA-24 Ghanche-III; Muhammad Dilpazeer, from GBA-15 Diamer-I; and Aman Ali Amir, elected from GBA-21 Ghizer.
Abdul Aleem Khan, who also holds a federal ministerial position, announced this development on his social media account and congratulated the new inductees. Khan stated that the IPP's first representation in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly is a welcome milestone. He expressed the party's commitment to contributing to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan through dedication and integrity. During the general elections held on June 7, the IPP had fielded 16 candidates across 16 constituencies, none of whom were successful at that time.
These four independent members are positioned to potentially play a significant role in the formation of the Gilgit-Baltistan government, which requires 13 members for a majority.
Separately, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan. Prime Minister Sharif had assured the PPP of full support from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in this endeavor.
The Prime Minister indicated that PML-N members, while sitting on the opposition benches in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, would vote in favor of the PPP to enable it to form the government. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari characterized the recognition of the PPP’s majority in Gilgit-Baltistan as a continuation of democratic tradition and considered the Prime Minister’s invitation to form the government as a positive step.
The election results showed the PPP winning 11 seats, PML-N six, and independents four. Additionally, two PTI-backed candidates and one MWM candidate also won. The results for three remaining constituencies are anticipated on June 17. The PML-N, which emerged as the second-largest party and is a coalition partner with the PPP at the federal level, extended the invitation to the PPP to form the government.
According to Dawn Pakistan, these political developments are shaping the upcoming government in Gilgit-Baltistan.
