Speaker and deputy speaker also elected unopposed as new assembly convenes its inaugural session in Gilgit
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elected PPP’s Advocate Amjad Hussain as Chief Minister unopposed on Monday, capping a historic day in which 30 newly elected members took oath and the assembly’s presiding officers were also chosen without contest.
Also read: Government Formation in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Formula Agreed — But an Unusual One
Oath-Taking and Inaugural Session
The first session of the sixth Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly convened at 10am, with outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed administering the oath to 30 members. These comprised 21 lawmakers elected on general seats in the June 7 elections, six women members on reserved seats, and three technocrats. Results for three general constituencies remain pending due to ongoing legal and electoral proceedings.
The session was adjourned until 3pm before resuming at 4pm, at which point Ahmed suspended procedural rules — with members’ approval — to conduct elections for speaker, deputy speaker, and leader of the House on the same day.
Speaker and Deputy Speaker Elected
PPP’s Imran Nadeem Shigri from Shigar and PML-N’s Malik Kifayatur Rehman from Diamer filed nomination papers for the positions of speaker and deputy speaker respectively. With no other candidates entering the race, both were declared elected unopposed.
Nadeem, who previously served as an assembly member in 2004 on a PML-Q ticket, thanked his party leadership and fellow members upon assuming the speaker’s chair. He then administered the oath to Kifayatur Rehman, who had secured a notable victory in GBA-15 Diamer-I (Tangir) against former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan.
Amjad Hussain Elected Chief Minister
Speaker Nadeem subsequently announced the election schedule for the leader of the House, setting a 7:40pm deadline for the filing and withdrawal of nomination papers. PPP’s Advocate Amjad Hussain submitted his nomination, while no other candidate came forward. At 8pm, Nadeem declared Hussain elected as Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan unopposed.
Opposition Leader Named
In a parallel development, Speaker Nadeem declared PML-N local president Hafeezur Rehman as Leader of the Opposition, following a requisition submitted by opposition members.
A Packed Assembly Hall
The assembly hall was filled to capacity, with guests of members, journalists, politicians, and VIPs in attendance. PPP Central General Secretary Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Information Secretary Qamar Zaman Kaira, and GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah were among the dignitaries seated in the VIP galleries. Supporters chanted slogans in favour of the winning candidates throughout the proceedings.
Post-Election Political Landscape
Following the June 7 elections, the PPP secured 13 seats, the PML-N nine, the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) six, and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) and a PTI-backed independent one seat each. The PML-N and IPP had extended support to the PPP for the chief minister, speaker, and deputy speaker elections. Under the power-sharing arrangement, however, the PML-N will sit in the opposition rather than join the ruling coalition.