WITH the newly elected lawmakers of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly taking oath on Monday, the PPP looks set to head the region’s government, securing the support of the PML-N and IPP members as well. During the recent elections the people of GB defied the usual trend of electing the same party that is in power in Islamabad, instead putting their confidence in the PPP. Now the latter will have to live up to the people’s considerable expectations where good governance and reform are concerned, as the region has, over the past few years, been rocked by major protests triggered by local dissatisfaction. Along with the fresh mandate, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, while delivering his budget speech in the National Assembly last week, called for representation of GB and Azad Kashmir in Pakistan’s legislature. The latter proposal needs careful thought, in order to deliver on popular demands in both regions, while ensuring that Pakistan’s case is not compromised vis-à-vis the Kashmir dispute with India.

Where good governance is concerned, lack of it has sparked discontent in GB and AJK — both sensitive regions. In GB, the regional legislature needs to be empowered to tackle maximum possible issues, with Islamabad overseeing only limited subjects. Locals have protested against taxation and the withdrawal of subsidies, as well as extended power outages. The incoming administration will have to tackle these — and other — issues to the voters’ satisfaction. As for representation in Pakistan’s legislature, does the PPP have a plan on how to go about it? In the past, there had been talk of granting provisional provincial status to GB until the Kashmir issue is resolved. Perhaps this proposal can be revisited, or perhaps Pakistan’s lawmakers and GB representatives can put their heads together for fresh ideas. The solution could grant GB a voice in how it is run within Pakistan’s parliament, while at the same time not harming the country’s case with regard to Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2026