ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated his government’s commitment to working closely with the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government for the betterment of the people of the region.

The prime minister reiterated this commitment during a telephone conversation with newly elected GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier congratulated Mr Hussain on assuming office.

In the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured a majority of seats and formed the regional government. The PPP, a major ally of the ruling PML-N at the Centre, is also in power in Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

During the GB elections, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari alleged that the PML-N had rigged the polls. As a result, he refused to attend the National Assembly’s budget session for the 2026-27 fiscal year. However, he later agreed to participate in the proceedings after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi requested him to attend the budget session.

Last week, PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to expedite work on a 100-megawatt solar power project in GB so that it could be completed at the earliest.

The directives were iss­ued during a meeting cha­ired by the prime minister to review progress on the project.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2026