PPP, IPP begin talks on Gilgit‑Baltistan government formation amid opposition protests

Meanwhile, opposition parties led by Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) have rejected the election results, alleging widespread rigging and manipulation.

GILGIT – The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Istehkam‑e‑Pakistan Party (IPP) began consultations on Friday over the formation of the next government in Gilgit‑Baltistan (G‑B), as political maneuvering intensifies following the June 7 elections.

According to a joint press release, delegations from both parties met in Gilgit to discuss the region’s political situation, government formation, and matters of mutual interest. The PPP team was led by Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Amjad Hussain Advocate, while the IPP delegation included Central Secretary General Mian Khalid Mahmood, G‑B President and former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan, former governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, and General Secretary Fatehullah Khan.

The meeting focused on building consensus for a stable administration in G‑B. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic processes, political stability, and advancing public welfare. Both sides agreed to continue consultations in the coming days, stressing that the government formation process must serve the best interests of the people.

The talks come after four newly elected independents joined the IPP earlier this week, giving the party a foothold in the assembly despite failing to win seats directly. The independents include Anwar Ali (G‑BA‑23 Ghanche‑II), Dr Asad Shafiq (G‑BA‑24 Ghanche‑III), Muhammad Dilpazeer (GBA‑15 Diamer‑I), and Aman Ali Amir (GBA‑21 Yasin).

Meanwhile, opposition parties led by Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) have rejected the election results, alleging widespread rigging and manipulation. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared the polls “fake and rigged,” announcing a “black day” on oath‑taking day and pledging to release a white paper detailing alleged irregularities. PTI claims it secured victories in at least eight constituencies and possesses Form‑47 results for three seats.

Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas of the Majlis Wahdat‑e‑Muslimeen (MWM) also alleged large‑scale manipulation, citing delays in results and selective dissemination of outcomes. He accused authorities of creating an “information blackout” and engineering defections, warning that undermining genuine political leadership could erode trust in the state.

As PPP and IPP explore avenues for cooperation, the political landscape in Gilgit‑Baltistan remains fluid. With opposition parties vowing protests and ruling contenders seeking alliances, the region’s government formation process is set to be a decisive test of Pakistan’s fragile democratic consensus.