Islamabad: Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Neyyar Hussain Bukhari has alleged that efforts are being made to prevent his party from forming a government in Gilgit-Baltistan, claiming that political and electoral matters in the region are not being handled in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Speaking to the media, Bukhari said that the PPP’s position in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has strengthened after the inclusion of an independent lawmaker, bringing the party’s total tally to 12 seats.

He stated that the Supreme Appellate Bench has suspended the notification of two successful PPP candidates and scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 2, creating uncertainty regarding the final composition of the assembly.

Bukhari also raised concerns about the electoral process, alleging irregularities in the counting of postal ballots. According to him, a PPP candidate who had initially secured victory was later declared defeated without fulfilling the required legal procedures, and Form-49 was issued in favor of the opposing candidate.

He further pointed out that election laws require the issuance of the official gazette notification within 14 days of polling, but claimed that the notification has yet to be published. He questioned the decision of the Chief Election Commissioner to accept an independent member as part of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) before the official gazette had been issued, calling it a premature move.

According to Bukhari, these developments indicate that political affairs in Gilgit-Baltistan are not being conducted in line with constitutional and legal principles.

“Attempts are being made to block the PPP’s path in Gilgit-Baltistan,” he said, adding that the party would continue to pursue its political and legal options.

The PPP leader expressed confidence that his party is in a strong position to form the next government in the region. He claimed that once reserved and technocrat seats are allocated, the PPP’s strength would rise to between 17 and 19 seats, giving it a clear majority in the assembly.

“Insha’Allah, the Pakistan Peoples Party will form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan,” Bukhari stated.

Discussing coalition possibilities, he revealed that leaders of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) had met with PPP representatives and sought ministerial positions in exchange for support in government formation.

He also confirmed that discussions have taken place with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding possible political cooperation. However, he emphasized that the final decision on coalition partners and the structure of the future government would be made by the party leadership.

Political observers note that the process of government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan remains uncertain due to pending legal proceedings, delayed gazette notifications, and ongoing negotiations among political parties.

As consultations and legal challenges continue, the coming weeks are expected to play a crucial role in determining which party ultimately succeeds in forming the next government in the strategically important region.