PPP to lead GB govt under power-sharing deal with PML-N

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is set to form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) after securing a power-sharing deal with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), according to multiple reports. The agreement, which mirrors the coalition arrangement at the federal level, will see PPP's Amjad Hussain become the region's chief minister, with key positions allocated to the PML-N.

The first session of the newly-elected GB Assembly was convened for Monday, during which members-elect will take the oath of office and elect the leader of the house, the speaker, and the deputy speaker, as reported by Dawn. The assembly's 24 seats were contested in the June 7 elections, with the PPP emerging as the largest party.

Coverage Comparison

Reports across multiple outlets from Dawn consistently confirm the core elements of the power-sharing arrangement. One report detailed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari formally announced Amjad Hussain as the party's candidate for chief minister, following the PPP's announcement to form a government with PML-N support. Another report noted that the PPP welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's statement of support, with the PML-N deciding to sit on the opposition benches while voting in favor of the PPP.

A separate report from Dawn detailed the power-sharing formula agreed upon by local PPP and PML-N leaders, which specifies that the chief minister would be from the PPP, while the governor, deputy speaker, and leader of the opposition would come from the PML-N. This was confirmed in a press conference attended by PML-N's GB president Hafeez Hafeezur Rehman and PPP's GB president Amjad Hussain.

The reports collectively indicate that the agreement was reached after extensive consultations between the two parties, with some descriptions emphasizing "mutual trust" and "consensus." While all sources agree on the fundamental structure of the deal, the level of detail varies, with some reports providing more specifics on individual appointments.

Key Claims

• Amjad Hussain as Chief Minister: Multiple reports confirm that Amjad Hussain has been nominated by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as the PPP's candidate for chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Hussain, a prominent lawyer and president of the PPP's GB chapter, won a seat in the recent elections from GBA-1.

• Speaker and Deputy Speaker Positions: According to Dawn, Imran Nadeem is likely to be elected as the speaker of the GB Assembly, while PML-N's Malik Kifayat is slated to become the deputy speaker. These appointments are part of the broader power-sharing arrangement.

• PML-N to Sit on Opposition Benches: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured full support from the PML-N to the PPP in forming the government, with the PML-N deciding to sit on the opposition benches in the GB Legislative Assembly while voting in favor of the PPP. This was reported by Dawn, citing Radio Pakistan.

• IPP Support: A single report in Dawn indicated that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has pledged support to the PPP in the government formation process. This claim has not been independently corroborated by other sources.

• Power-Sharing Formula: Reports confirm that under the agreement, the chief minister will be from the PPP, while the governor, deputy speaker, and leader of the opposition will be from the PML-N. This was announced by local PPP and PML-N leaders following a consultation meeting.

Perspectives

The power-sharing deal has been framed by party leaders as a step toward political stability and democratic continuity. In a statement, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari described the PML-N's support as a "positive step" and a continuation of democratic tradition. He also thanked the people of GB for placing their trust in the PPP, emphasizing the party's commitment to safeguarding their constitutional and economic rights.

Amjad Hussain viewed the development as a "transformation," noting that for the first time, a party not ruling at the Centre has come to power in GB. He stressed that this was a rejection of traditional and ethnic trends in favor of democratic political parties.

The PML-N, through its GB president Hafeez Hafeezur Rehman, expressed a commitment to working with the PPP for public welfare and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The agreement was described in a joint press release as based on "mutual trust, consensus and consultation."

While the deal has been characterized as a positive development by the parties involved, the broader political context includes ongoing concerns about the region's constitutional status. Hussain reiterated the PPP's advocacy for granting provisional provincial status to GB, a move aimed at strengthening Pakistan's position on the Kashmir dispute.