Who will be the next Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan?

GILGIT BALTISTAN: After the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged as the largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections 2026, the center of political activities has now become a single question: who will be the next Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan?

According to Form 47, after the remarkable success of the PPP, several strong names are circulating within the party for the Chief Ministership.

The eyes of political circles, workers, and observers are now focused on the decision of the top leadership of the PPP, which will determine the political direction of the province in the coming days.

The most prominent name among the candidates for the Chief Ministership is that of Amjad Hussain Advocate, who won from Constituency GBA 1 Gilgit-1 and is the President of the Pakistan Peoples Party Gilgit-Baltistan.

Amjad Hussain, Advocate, not only won his seat but also led the election campaign across the province. His role in making the party the largest political force is being considered important, due to which political observers are considering him as the strongest candidate for the Chief Ministership.

On the other hand, former speaker Fida Muhammad Nashad, who won from GBA 9 Skardu 3, is also considered a strong candidate in the race for the Chief Ministership.

Fida Muhammad Nashad was the Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly from 2015 to 2020 and has extensive experience in parliamentary affairs and government affairs. There are reports that his name is being seriously considered in the political circles of the Baltistan division.

Among the possible candidates for the Chief Ministership, the name of Syed Tauqeer Mehdi, who won from GBA 8 Skardu 2, also stands out. Due to his influence within the party and close ties with important figures, he is also being seen as a possible candidate.

Similarly, Muhammad Ali Akhtar, who won from Nagar, is also known as a loyal and long-time worker of the party. Some circles in the party believe that his commitment to the workers and continuous political struggle can also keep him in the race for the Chief Ministership.

Meanwhile, the name of Syed Jalal Ali Shah, who won from Ghizer, is also being discussed on the political scene. He is the son of the late Pir Karam Ali Shah, and as a senior leader of the party, he is also considered an experienced political figure. Voices are also being heard in his favor from the workers of Ghizer and the upper areas.

However, despite all the political speculations and names, the majority of PPP insiders and political observers believe that Amjad Hussain Advocate is currently the frontrunner in the race for the Chief Ministership.

His leadership at the provincial level, electoral success, and grip on the party organization give him a strong position compared to other candidates.

Currently, the final decision is expected after consultation with the central leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party, elected members of the assembly, and the party’s top brass.

However, the most debated issue in Gilgit-Baltistan politics at the moment revolves around the chair of the Chief Minister’s House and its possible occupant.

Now all eyes are on Islamabad and the party leadership’s upcoming decisions as to whether the Chief Minister’s crown will go to Gilgit, Baltistan, or whether a new political surprise will emerge.