Nawaz Khan Naji wins by-election in Ghizer

Gilgit, April 28 – According to unofficial results received through various sources, Nawaz Khan Naji (NKN), Supreme Leader of the Balawaristan National Front (BNF) has staged a resounding victory in LA – 19, Ghizar – 01, by-election.

Naji has, reportedly, obtained 8218 votes as compared to PML(n) candidate, Col (r) Karim’s 5074. Candidate of the ruling party, Engineer Jawahir Ali Khan has been able to get 4564 of the votes cast.

The polling, by and large, remained peaceful. Official result of the by-election will be notified by the Election Commission. According to some sources PPP has accepted defeat.

It is pertinent to note that thee LA – 19 seat was considered to be a confirmed PPP seat, constantly won by present GB Governor, Syed Pir Karam Ali Shah, for the past 35 years.

Nawaz Khan Naji has been popular among the youth of Gilgit – Baltistan because he has vocally presented the region’s case at different platforms.

However, there are people who believe that Naji may have compromised some of his party’s basic ideologies to win votes during the recent elections. At one point during the election campaign Naji said that he is not against Pakistan. “I am going to take oath of allegiance to Pakistan”, Naji had reportedly said, in sharp contrast to his earlier stances.

Some analysts believe that Naji will have to remain flexible if he wants to stay relevant in the politics of Gilgit – Baltistan, where federalist parties have always had the upper hand.

Source: Pamir Times