ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has not yet begun deliberations on potential alliances for formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan, as it awaits the complete election results.
Speaking to this reporter on Monday, PPP Parliamentarians Secretary Information Shazia Marri said the party was still compiling election results and was awaiting outcomes from several constituencies where results had not yet been officially announced and the party had serious concerns and observations in this regard. “Despite emerging as the single largest party in Gilgit-Baltistan, there are still a number of seats for which results have not been declared. We also have serious reservations and observations regarding some of the results and are using all legal options,” she said. Shazia said the party’s immediate focus was on assessing the overall electoral outcome and addressing its concerns before initiating any discussions on coalition-building. She said a decision on possible alliances and government formation would only be considered after the Election Commission announced the complete results. “Once the full results are available, we will be in a position to begin consultations regarding the formation of government in Gilgit-Baltistan,” she said. Meanwhile, former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the party had authorized Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to make decisions regarding government formation and any potential political alliances in the region. “The party has given Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the mandate to take a final decision on the matter,” Ashraf said.
