PPP’s Imran Nadeem elected unopposed Speaker of GB Assembly, Kifayat-ur-Rehman becomes Deputy Speaker

GILGIT: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Imran Nadeem was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Kifayat-ur-Rehman Advocate was elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker.

According to outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed, no member opposed the election of either candidate, including the PTI-backed independent member in the assembly.

Sources said the election for the office of Chief Minister is also likely to be held unopposed following the formation of a broad-based alliance in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

The development comes after PPP, PML-N, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) joined hands to form a coalition government in the region. The alliance supported the unanimous election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Earlier, after PML-N, the IPP also announced its support for the PPP-led government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to party sources, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari telephoned IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan and invited his party to join efforts to form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan. Abdul Aleem Khan accepted the offer and assured full support for the coalition.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Aleem Khan said he had a positive and constructive conversation with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and pledged support for the election of the Chief Minister, Speaker, and other constitutional offices in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The coalition parties are now expected to move forward with the election of the Chief Minister, with sources indicating that the process may also take place without opposition.