Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Swearing-In Postponed Due to Party Chief's Unavailability

The inauguration of Gilgit-Baltistan's newly elected Chief Minister, Advocate Amjad Hussain, has been postponed from its original July 1 date. The delay stems from the unavailability of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is expected to attend the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hussain, elected unopposed on June 22, will have his oath-taking ceremony rescheduled. A new date will be announced later, according to the PPP's local chapter. The postponement highlights the political engagements that can influence regional governance timelines.

Looking ahead, CM-elect Hussain emphasized the severe impacts of climate change and the current financial crisis facing the region. He stated that his government would request additional federal funding to address these challenges and pledged to ensure the effective utilization of public funds for the welfare of Gilgit-Baltistan's residents. His administration will prioritize key issues and commence work following the oath-taking ceremony. Hussain also indicated that the delay in passing the budget for the current fiscal year would not pose a significant problem.

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These slogans countered the narratives of religious and nationalist parties.

Hussain, who also leads the PPP's Gilgit-Baltistan chapter, described his incoming government as people-friendly, committed to leaving no stone unturned for the region's betterment. He noted that the PPP's election campaign focused on three core slogans: the Right to Rule, the Right to Land Ownership, and the Right to Employment, which he believes countered the narratives of religious and nationalist parties. The party's proposal for provisional provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan was framed as a response to India's 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir. Hussain argued that granting GB provisional provincial status and ensuring its representation in Pakistan's Senate and National Assembly until a plebiscite in Kashmir would bolster Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue. He recalled PPP Chairman Bhutto-Zardari's recent speech in the National Assembly advocating for the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan's people. Hussain also criticized the previous PTI government for allegedly sabotaging the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment in 2022, which aimed to declare GB a provisional province.

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Granting GB provisional provincial status, he said, would counter India’s move.