After the legislative assembly elections held on June 7, the political landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed a dramatic shift with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerging as the single largest party. Unofficial results compiled from Forms-47 issued by the returning officers in all 24 constituencies have shown that PPP bagged 11 seats, putting it in a strong position to form the next regional government.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s election results reflect a competitive political environment. PPP topped the race with 11 seats while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) could manage six seats and had a considerable presence in the assembly. Candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured two seats while one seat was won by PTI’s ally Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). Independent candidates also performed well, taking four seats and potentially becoming key players in coalition-building efforts.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said it was a welcome result, and his party was the “single largest party” in the region. He thanked the voters and said the party would start consultations and efforts to form the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The electoral process is not yet over, although unofficial results have been announced. The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan has ordered re-counts in two constituencies – GBA-20 (Ghizer-II) and GBA-3 (Gilgit) – following complaints from candidates. Re-polling will also be held in three polling stations of GBA-16 (Diamer-II). These developments could change the final seat distribution slightly, but they are unlikely to change the overall PPP lead.

Key wins were recorded by major political figures. Amjad Hussain, PPP’s regional president won GBA-1 (Gilgit) and strengthened the party’s position in the region. Meanwhile, PML-N’s former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman also won in GBA-2, indicating that the party still has its support base intact. Independents supported by PTI have won in Gilgit and Hunza, signalling the party’s ongoing political importance despite recent setbacks.

The election results reveal a divided, but vibrant political scene. The PPP is ahead but must cooperate with independent legislators and minor parties to form a stable government. Independents may hold the key to the strength and stability of the next administration.”

As Gilgit-Baltistan moves towards the formation of a new government, the focus will be on coalition talks, recount results and policy priorities of the new leadership. The coming weeks are considered crucial in determining the political trajectory of the region and its governance agenda for the years ahead.

Gilgit-Baltistan elections 2025 have yet again proved the political strength of PPP in the region, giving it the first opportunity to form the next government. But even with independents in key posts and recounts under way, the final political picture is far from clear. The election has indeed opened a new chapter in the governance of Gilgit-Baltistan which will be keenly followed across Pakistan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)