ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has announced that the new provincial cabinet will be constituted within the next two to three days, while local government elections will be held before October.
The chief minister said all political parties were provided with a level playing field during the elections. However, he acknowledged that political challenges emerged after the completion of the electoral process.
He said the ruling party had also engaged with independent lawmakers as part of efforts to form the government, but noted that it was not possible to accommodate every member with a ministerial position.
Amjad Hussain claimed that some members of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) had voted for him in the chief minister’s election. He added that arrangements regarding ministerial portfolios with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party had already been finalised.
The chief minister further said the office of the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan rightfully belongs to the PML-N, while the party will also hold the position of Leader of the Opposition in the provincial assembly and perform its opposition role accordingly.
He said the Pakistan Peoples Party government would prioritise addressing public issues. He added that if a future vote of no confidence against his government succeeded, his party would respect democratic norms and take its place on the opposition benches.
Highlighting the issue of land ownership, Amjad Hussain said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari launched a movement for land ownership rights in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2016, as residents had previously been deprived of legal ownership of their land.
He also noted that local government elections have not been held in Gilgit-Baltistan for nearly 20 years, making the restoration of the local government system essential.
He reiterated that the elections would be conducted before October to ensure grassroots representation and improve the delivery of public services.
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