In a significant political development, Amjad Hussain Advocate, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) nominee, was officially sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday. This event marked the beginning of a new coalition government in the strategically important region. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the historic Chinar Bagh, a venue known for its political and cultural significance.
The oath was administered by Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, underscoring the formal transition of power. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, senior party leaders from both central and regional levels, key bureaucrats, and the newly elected members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. Their presence highlighted the importance of this political milestone for the region.
Amjad Hussain’s nomination as Chief Minister came on June 22, following the general elections held on June 7. In these elections, the PPP emerged as the single largest party in the 24-member Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, securing 12 seats. This electoral success positioned the PPP to lead the provincial government, but it also necessitated coalition-building to achieve a working majority.
In a move reflecting the broader political dynamics at the federal level, the PPP chose to form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan in alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). This coalition mirrors the power-sharing arrangements seen in Islamabad, aiming to ensure political stability and effective governance in the region. It is expected that cabinet portfolios will be allocated between the coalition partners in the coming days, further solidifying this partnership.
