Gilgit: A political alliance has been formed between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, resulting in the unopposed election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

According to outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed, PPP leader Imran Nadeem was elected Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly unopposed, while Kifayat-ur-Rehman Advocate of the PML-N was elected Deputy Speaker without contest.

Opposition Candidates Did Not Participate

Sources said that candidates backed by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported independents did not participate in the election process for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, paving the way for the unopposed victories.

Following the election, former Speaker Nazir Ahmed administered the oath of office to the newly elected Speaker Imran Nadeem. After the oath-taking ceremony, Nazir Ahmed formally handed over the Speaker’s chair to his successor.

Coalition Strengthens PPP Position

The development follows an agreement between the PPP and PML-N on government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan. The alliance gained further strength when the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also decided to support the PPP in forming the regional government.

Political observers view the alliance as a significant step toward establishing a stable governing coalition in the newly elected assembly.

Bilawal and Aleem Khan Discussed Cooperation

According to political sources, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently held a telephone conversation with IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan, inviting his party to join hands with the PPP in the formation of the Gilgit-Baltistan government.

The IPP later confirmed that Abdul Aleem Khan accepted the proposal.

Speaking about the discussions, Aleem Khan said that his conversation with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was cordial and constructive.

“We will support the election of the Chief Minister and Speaker in Gilgit-Baltistan and help ensure their victory with a strong majority,” he said.

Chief Minister’s Election May Also Be Unopposed

Sources within the assembly indicate that the election for the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan may also take place unopposed due to the numerical strength of the newly formed alliance.

If that occurs, it would further consolidate the coalition’s position and allow the new government to begin its legislative and administrative agenda without significant opposition during the initial phase.

The alliance between PPP, PML-N, and IPP marks a major political development in Gilgit-Baltistan and is expected to shape the region’s governance and policy direction in the coming years.