THE Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the hotly-contested elections of Gilgit-Baltistan where it secured nine seats, followed by independents 6, PPP 4 and PML(N) JUI(F), MWM and Islami Tehreek one seat each. As PTI had seat adjustment with MWM and independents normally go with the winning party, therefore, PTI would be able to form its Government in the region.
The outcome of the polls was in line with public opinion surveys, which predicted victory for PTI but dismal performance of PPP and PML(N) was unexpected. All the three major parties – PTI, PPP and PML(N) worked hard and their leaders spent considerable time in Gilgit-Baltistan canvassing for their candidates. The victory of PTI is also in accordance with the tradition that GB and AJK elections are normally won by the ruling party in Pakistan as voters rightly or wrongly believe that they would get better treatment and resources in case the ruling party forms government there as well. However, the shocking defeat of PML(N) and PPP would be hard to digest for the parties as they believed they served the people of the region in a better way during their tenures. Bilawal gave more time to electioneering and attracted reasonable crowds but could not secure a majority for his party. Heavy weights like former Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah and PML-N’s Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman were also eliminated in the election. The defeat of the opposition is being termed by leaders of the ruling party as rejection of the opposition’s narrative and growing popularity of PTI in the region. Voters have apparently pinned hopes on fulfilment of the pledges that the leadership of PTI made during elections including grant of proper provincial status and the party will have to deliver on these commitments.
