The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are negotiating to form a coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan following the June 7, 2026 [1] assembly elections.

These talks are critical because the PPP emerged as the largest party in the region but did not secure enough seats to govern alone [2]. A successful partnership with the PML-N would stabilize the administration of the semi-autonomous territory, while failure could lead to a prolonged political deadlock.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 24 total seats [3]. During the election cycle, the PML-N unveiled candidates for 19 of those 24 seats [3]. Despite the PPP's position as the largest party [2], internal divisions within the party have complicated the path to a formal agreement.

Reports indicate that the PPP is currently divided over the terms of the partnership. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the leader of the PPP, is expected to make the final call on whether to include the PML-N in the governing coalition [4].

While some reports suggest the PPP is already set to form the next government [2], others highlight the uncertainty stemming from these internal party disagreements [4]. The final composition of the government depends on whether the two parties can align their interests to secure a functional majority in the 24-seat assembly [3].

“The PPP emerged as the largest party but lacks an outright majority.”

The reliance on a coalition in Gilgit-Baltistan reflects a fragmented political landscape where no single party holds absolute mandate. Because the PPP lacks a clear majority, the regional government's stability will depend on the durability of its agreement with the PML-N, making the party's internal consensus and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's decision pivotal for the region's governance.