PPP-PML(N) Power-Sharing Deal Seals GB Government: Full Cabinet Formula, IPP Joins Alliance
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) — PML(N) — have signed a detailed power-sharing agreement for the 4th Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly following the 7 June 2026 election. Under the deal, announced on 20 June in a joint press conference by Amjad Hussain Azar (PPP) and Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman (PML(N)), the two coalition partners have carved up every senior political office in the region, from the Chief Minister down to the Leader of the Opposition. On 21 June, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) — led in GB by former Chief Minister Gulbar Khan — announced it would join the alliance, giving the PPP-PML(N)-IPP bloc a comfortable majority.
Election Results Recap
The 7 June poll produced a fractured mandate. According to the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan, party-wise seat counts came in as follows:
| Party | General Seats |
|---|---|
| Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) | 10 |
| Pakistan Muslim League (N) — PML(N) | 6 |
| Independents (PTI-backed) | 2 |
| Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) | 1 |
| Other independents | 5 |
With no single party close to the 17-seat threshold needed for a working majority, coalition-building was inevitable.
The Power-Sharing Formula
The joint statement issued by Amjad Hussain Azar and Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman lays out one of the most detailed intra-coalition division-of-offices agreements in GB’s recent history. Under the deal:
- Chief Minister: PPP (Amjad Hussain Azar)
- Speaker of the Assembly: PPP nominee
- Governor: PML(N) nominee
- Deputy Speaker: PML(N) nominee
- Leader of the Opposition: PML(N) nominee
The Leader-of-the-Opposition role for PML(N) is one of the most unusual features of the deal — normally reserved for the largest party outside the treasury benches. In this case it reflects PML(N)’s dual role as a coalition partner and formal opposition, an arrangement PPP has justified on the grounds of “institutional balance”.
The IPP Alliance
On 21 June, Gulbar Khan — former Chief Minister and current president of IPP’s Gilgit-Baltistan chapter — announced his party would join the PPP-led alliance. Speaking to reporters at the IPP office in Gilgit, Khan said: “We will join the PPP-led alliance in the interest of a stable government and continuity of development work already begun.”
The IPP’s addition secures a coalition of 16–17 seats when combined with PPP’s 10 and PML(N)’s 6, plus reserved seats to be allocated proportionally.
Swearing-In Ceremony
On the morning of 22 June, outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed administered the oath of office to 30 newly elected members of the 4th Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. The ceremony, held in the assembly building in Gilgit, was attended by senior officials of the Election Commission, GB Home Department, and party representatives.
The formal election of the new Chief Minister and Speaker is expected within days.
PTI’s Position
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which secured 2 general seats through independent-backed candidates, has confirmed it will sit on the opposition benches. The party’s spokesperson in Gilgit accused the PPP-PML(N) alliance of “engineering a hung house into a rubber-stamp coalition” and vowed to raise procedural challenges in the assembly.
What the Alliance Means for GB
Analysts see three primary implications:
- Federal alignment: Both PPP and PML(N) are coalition partners at the federal level. This produces alignment between Islamabad and Gilgit — improving prospects for large development transfers and CPEC-related project execution.
- Constitutional-status discussion: Both parties have publicly supported provisional provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan. Expect renewed federal-level discussions within the first 100 days.
- Development priorities: Climate resilience, tourism infrastructure, and hydropower are expected to top the new government’s agenda.
GMN will continue to track cabinet formation, portfolio allocations, and the new government’s first policy announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly election 2026?
The election to appoint the 24 members of the 4th Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly was held on 7 June 2026.
Which party won the most seats in GB 2026?
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) won 10 general seats. Pakistan Muslim League (N) came second with 6 seats.
Who is the new Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Amjad Hussain Azar of the PPP is set to become Chief Minister under the power-sharing agreement signed on 20 June 2026.
What does the PPP-PML(N) power-sharing formula include?
PPP takes the Chief Minister and Speaker positions; PML(N) takes the Governor, Deputy Speaker, and Leader of the Opposition. The IPP has joined the alliance.
