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WEEKLY
SECTIONS |
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| Gilgit-Baltistan polls |
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The results of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections are quite interesting. Even though the PPP has emerged as the single largest party, both the PML-Q and the PML-N have gained two seats each. One expected better from the PML-N and worse from the PML-Q but perhaps it is an indication of the division among the Muslim League vote bank which has plagued the party since the death of Liaquat Ali Khan.
The good thing is that the PML-Q has managed to bag two seats without using Musharraf as the trump card. It shows it can stand on its two feet. Yet the party lacks the charismatic leadership necessary to maintain its vote bank and is too dependent on the four Chaudhrys: Shujaat, Pervaiz, Wajahat and Moonis.
Ahmad R Shahid
York, UK
*****
The recently concluded elections in Gilgit-Baltistan represent the victory of democratic forces and people of the region who have long been striving for their constitutional rights. During my visit to former Northern Areas in 2006, I was wonderstruck to see the level of despondency and frustration that swept across different sections of opinion. The PPP government deserves our appreciation for it took note of the long-standing demands of the people and introduced constitutional reforms aimed at empowering them.
The recent elections should be seen in that regard as well. It can be hoped that the newly elected leadership of the region will leave no stone unturned to take steps for the progress and prosperity of the region.
Sonia Zafar
Lahore
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ISSN 1563-9479 
