In a significant political development in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced its support for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in the election for the Leader of the House, paving the way for closer cooperation between the two parties in the provincial assembly.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference attended by senior leaders of both parties in Gilgit.
Speaking on the occasion, PML-N Gilgit-Baltistan President and former Chief Minister Hafizur Rehman said his party would vote in favour of the PPP's candidate for the post of Leader of the House. He also announced that the PML-N would support the PPP's nominee for the office of Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
Hafizur Rehman added that, under the formula agreed upon at the federal level, the offices of Deputy Speaker and Governor would be allocated to the PML-N.
PPP leaders welcomed the announcement, expressing gratitude to the PML-N for extending its support in the elections for the Leader of the House and Speaker.
Addressing the joint press conference, leaders of both parties said the PPP and PML-N would cooperate with each other in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly in the broader interest of the region and its people.
Responding to a question regarding a possible alliance with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), PPP Gilgit-Baltistan President Amjad Hussain Advocate said any decision on the matter would be taken by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The press conference was attended by senior PPP leaders, including Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Amjad Hussain Advocate, while former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafizur Rehman and PML-N parliamentary members were also present.
The announcement comes as political parties continue consultations to form the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the recently concluded regional elections.