In a significant development in Gilgit-Baltistan’s political landscape, four independent victors from the recent assembly elections have aligned themselves with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). The announcement was made during a meeting with Federal Minister for Communications and IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan.
The new members joining IPP include Anwar Ali from GBA-23 Ghanche-2, Asad Shafiq representing GBA-24 Ghanche-3, Muhammad Dilpazeer from GBA-15 Diamer-1, and Aman Ali of GBA-21 Ghizer-3. Muhammad Dilpazeer stated that these four candidates have united as a group to join IPP and are also in talks with other independent candidates and nominees from Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).
Dilpazeer further revealed that the group plans to invite additional independents to join the party, expressing confidence that IPP will become the second-largest force in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
The general elections for the 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly were conducted on June 7. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged as the single largest party, securing 10 seats based on unofficial and preliminary results. The PPP’s victories include constituencies GBA-1, GBA-4, GBA-5, GBA-7, GBA-9, GBA-10, GBA-11, GBA-12, GBA-17, and GBA-19.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to the PPP to form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan, acknowledging their majority status in the elections. On June 12, he pledged full support to the Bilawal-led party during the government formation process.
Notably, PM Shehbaz announced that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will assume the opposition role in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. However, its elected members will support the PPP in forming the government, a decision aligned with democratic traditions and values.
