Gilgit: The Like-Minded Group has announced its decision to contest the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, unveiling its electoral strategy during a joint press conference held on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by former Gilgit-Baltistan governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan, and several former ministers.
Speaking on the occasion, former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan said the group includes former PTI lawmakers from six to seven constituencies, many of whom continue to play a key role in regional politics.
He said that after the disqualification of Khalid Khurshid, their group took charge of the government and managed public affairs during challenging circumstances, addressing key public issues.
Haji Gulbar Khan explained that joining other political parties would have required them to work under junior leadership, which he said was not compatible with their political stature and experience.
He added that the Like-Minded Group comprises senior and influential political leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan and has now decided to contest elections as an independent group.
However, he said the group would continue consultations with various political parties ahead of the elections, and joining a suitable party remains a possibility.
Claiming political strength, Haji Gulbar Khan said the group is stronger in Gilgit-Baltistan than the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Referring to the performance of his previous government, he said his administration carried out extensive development work, provided major relief through wheat subsidies, and resolved long-standing issues faced by teachers, which helped strengthen public trust.