Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has advised his party to remain in opposition in Gilgit-Baltistan following the recent election results. He believes this approach would better serve the party’s political interests while contributing to democratic stability in the region.
In a statement, Saad Rafique rejected the perception that PML-N suffered a major defeat in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. He argued that the party’s performance has been misrepresented and that the results reflect stronger public support than many observers suggest.
According to Rafique, PML-N secured victory in eight constituencies, while two independent candidates backed by the party were also successful. He maintained that these outcomes demonstrate the party’s continued political relevance and influence in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The former federal minister further noted that several PML-N candidates narrowly lost their contests by small margins. He said these close results indicate a highly competitive electoral environment rather than a one-sided outcome.
Sharing his recommendations for the party’s future strategy, Rafique suggested that PML-N should cooperate with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the process of government formation. He emphasized that such cooperation would help ensure the smooth functioning of the parliamentary system.
However, he advised the party not to seek ministerial positions or formally join the government. In his view, remaining outside the administration would allow PML-N to maintain its political independence while supporting democratic governance.
