<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" version="2.0"><channel>
                        <title>Get The Latest News Updates Of Gilgit Baltistan - The Express Tribune</title>
                        <atom:link href="https://tribune.com.pk" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
                        <link>https://tribune.com.pk</link>
                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
                        <lastBuildDate>Tue, 09 Jun 26 13:28:26 +0500</lastBuildDate>
                        <language>en-US</language>
                        <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
                        <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
                        <generator>https://laravel.com/</generator><item>
			<title>PTI alleges electoral rigging in G-B polls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612042/pti-alleges-electoral-rigging-in-g-b-polls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612042/pti-alleges-electoral-rigging-in-g-b-polls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 26 09:25:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612042</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PM congratulates PPP on emerging as leading party; praises Election Commission for ensuring free, fair elections]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday strongly condemned what it described as massive electoral irregularities, manipulation of results and misuse of state machinery in several constituencies during the Gilgit-Baltistan elections held on Sunday.

In a statement issued by its central media department on X, PTI said early unofficial results showed its candidates leading until around 7pm, after which results from certain polling stations began to emerge showing unusually high voter turnout of over 80 per cent. The party also alleged that some ballot boxes contained between 700 and 800 votes, raising serious questions over transparency.

PTI further claimed that its polling agents were denied Form 45, calling it a violation of election laws and saying it reinforced concerns over tampering with results. The party added that reports from Nagar and other areas suggested the recovery of fake ballot papers from individuals affiliated with rival parties, while some suspects were allegedly caught red-handed in the early hours of the day.

According to PTI, the alleged irregularities were not limited to polling day but were part of pre-poll rigging, including changes in voter lists, duplication of voter entries across different polling stations, alleged interference by police and administration in constituency boundaries and polling arrangements, and harassment of candidates and party workers.



پریس ریلیز

اسلام آباد: 07 جون 2026

پاکستان تحریک انصاف (پی ٹی آئی) گلگت بلتستان کے مختلف حلقوں میں مبینہ بدترین انتخابی دھاندلی، نتائج میں ردوبدل کی کوششوں اور ریاستی مشینری کے کھلے استعمال کی شدید مذمت کرتی ہے۔

ابتدائی نتائج اور غیر سرکاری گنتی کے مطابق شام سات بجے تک پاکستان&hellip;
&mdash; PTI Gilgit Baltistan (@PTIGBOfficial) June 8, 2026


&nbsp;

The party said these incidents reflected attempts to undermine the public mandate. PTI warned that it would pursue all constitutional, legal and democratic options to protect the rights of its voters in the event of any alteration in election results.

It demanded the immediate release of verified results from all polling stations, provision of Forms 45 and 46 to all candidates without delay, and an independent investigation into suspicious polling stations, along with action against those responsible. It also urged the Election Commission to ensure full transparency and fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

PTI reiterated that it would continue to defend the mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and oppose any attempt to influence the electoral outcome.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, congratulated the people of G-B on the successful conduct of what he described as &ldquo;transparent, peaceful and politically vibrant elections.&rdquo;

&nbsp;



Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for a peaceful and transparent election, praising PPP&rsquo;s majority win, PML-N&rsquo;s performance, and the active participation of voters across the region.@CMShehbaz #GilgitBaltistan #GBElections&hellip; pic.twitter.com/Y32RGR0pQe
&mdash; Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 8, 2026


The prime minister acknowledged that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had emerged as the leading political party in the elections and deserved congratulations. He also extended felicitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the outcome.

PM Shehbaz further congratulated the successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying they had put up a strong electoral contest and praising their campaign efforts. He extended congratulations to all successful candidates across G-B, noting that their success reflected public trust.

The prime minister appreciated the people of G-B for their active participation in the democratic process, saying their engagement strengthened democratic traditions in the region. He said peaceful and transparent elections were the true hallmark of democracy and praised the Election Commission for ensuring free and fair polls.

He also lauded the role of law enforcement agencies, stating that the police and other security institutions played an important role in maintaining peace during the electoral process and deserved appreciation for their performance.

Polling across G-B was held peacefully on Sunday. Voting began at 8am and continued uninterrupted until 5pm across all districts. Election day proceeded without any major disruption, with voters turning out in significant numbers at polling stations throughout the region.

Read More: PPP takes early lead in G-B polls

According to&nbsp;unofficial and incomplete results, the PPP&nbsp;is leading in 11 of the 24 seats, followed by the PML-N&nbsp;with five seats. The PTI&nbsp;was ahead in three constituencies, while its ally Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen was leading in one seat. Independent candidates are currently ahead in two constituencies.

However, nearly 22 hours after the close of polling, not a single official result has been announced, raising concerns over the delay in the formal declaration of outcomes.

According to official figures, there are 963,000 registered voters in G-B, including 506,000 men and 456,000 women. A total of 1,391 polling stations were set up, where a large turnout was witnessed, with women also participating in considerable numbers.

More than 12 political parties, alongside independent candidates, contested the elections. Overall, 396 male candidates and eight female candidates took part in the contest, highlighting a competitive electoral field in the region. The contest between the PPP and PML-N was particularly closely watched.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 33 seats. Of these, 24 are filled through direct elections, while six seats are reserved for women and three for technocrats. A simple majority of 17 seats is required for any party or alliance to form the government.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/et-mehak-601761986579-0/et-mehak-601761986579-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PPP takes early lead in G-B polls as counting still underway</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611874/gilgit-baltistan-elections-begin-as-130-candidates-contest-24-seats</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611874/gilgit-baltistan-elections-begin-as-130-candidates-contest-24-seats#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 26 06:05:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Naeem Asghar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611874</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP's Chan raises concerns over non-issuance of Form 45, urges govt to refrain from 'engineering' the elections]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was leading with 11 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections on Sunday, according to unofficial and preliminary results, after polling concluded with counting still underway across the 24 constituencies.

Polling was held from 8am to 5pm, with 13 seats required to form the next government in the strategically important region. It has begun at 1,691 polling stations, with more than 7,500 polling staff deployed. A total of 130 candidates from 24 political parties and 266 independent candidates are contesting the elections.

The G-B Assembly comprises 33 seats, including 24 elected through direct elections, 6 reserved for women, and 3 reserved for technocrats and professionals. Reserved seats are allocated to political parties based on proportional representation.

According to unofficial and preliminary results, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was leading with 11 seats, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 5 seats, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 3 seats, and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen securing 1 seat. Independent candidates were leading in 2 constituencies.



گلکت بلتستان انتخابات 2026 کے غیر حتمی غیر سرکاری نتائج کے مطابق جی بی اے 12 شگر سے پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے امیدوار عمران ندیم کامیاب۔ جیالوں کا جشن #گلگت_میں_تیرچلےگا pic.twitter.com/CMoo1pz16H
&mdash; PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 7, 2026


G-B chief election commissioner expresses satisfaction

G-B Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan visited several polling stations in Gilgit, accompanied by Provincial Election Commissioner Abid Raza, to review polling arrangements, security measures, and the overall electoral environment.

During visits to polling stations at Jutial Elementary College and Khomar City Park, the chief election commissioner expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and directed polling staff and security personnel to ensure neutrality, transparency, and the smooth conduct of the voting process.

Election officials said voter turnout was steady, although long queues of male and female voters formed outside several polling stations. Some voters complained of delays and a slow polling process. Raja Shahbaz Khan took notice of the complaints and sought reports from relevant officials.

The chief election commissioner also inspected facilities available to voters and met polling agents representing candidates. According to election officials, polling agents expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere and arrangements at polling stations.

Read: 24 seats up for grabs as G-B goes to polls today

As part of his review of security preparations, Khan visited the Gilgit Safe City Control Centre, where he was briefed on security measures and monitoring arrangements. Officials informed him that election-related activities were being continuously monitored through a modern surveillance system.

The inspector general of police and other officials briefed the chief election commissioner on the security plan and special measures put in place for election day.

Speaking during the visit, Raja Shehbaz Khan said all available resources were being utilised to ensure free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections. He also praised the performance of the district administration and law-enforcement agencies and urged voters to participate fully in the democratic process while helping maintain a peaceful environment.

G-B&#39;s caretaker Information Minister Ghulam Abbas said polling had begun peacefully across the region, with a large number of voters exercising their right to vote.

He said the caretaker government and the election commission had made comprehensive security arrangements, with personnel from the police, Rangers, G-B scouts, and the Pakistan Army deployed at sensitive locations.

Ghulam Abbas urged citizens to come out and vote, expressing hope that the electoral process would contribute to the continued development and prosperity of G-B.

PPP raises concerns over non-issuance of Form-45

The PPP Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan urged the government to refrain from what he described as &quot;engineering&quot; the elections, saying such tactics would not deprive the people of G-B of their mandate.

Chan alleged that two federal ministers were currently present in G-B and were attempting to influence the outcome of the polls by exerting pressure on the local administration and state institutions.

He specifically named Federal Ministers Amir Muqam and Aleem Khan, claiming that their presence and activities in the region were inconsistent with the requirements of a free and impartial election.

&quot;We have received reports that presiding officers are facing pressure not to issue Form 45, which raises serious questions about the transparency of the electoral process,&quot; Chan said.

Chan alleged that, instead of accepting the public mandate, efforts were being made to alter the results through administrative pressure and official influence.

&quot;If Form 45 is withheld or if any tampering with the results takes place, it will not only be an attack on the mandate of the people of G-B but will also damage the credibility of the entire electoral system,&quot; he said.

The PPP leader called on the election commission to take immediate notice of the situation, ensure the protection of presiding officers, guarantee the timely issuance of Form 45, and take indiscriminate action against anyone found interfering in the electoral process.



پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے مرکزی سیکریٹری اطلاعات ندیم افضل چن نے کہا۔ہے کہ وفاقی حکومت پر گلگت بلتستان کے انتخابات میں انجنیئرنگ سے باز آئے، اس طرح کے ہتھکنڈوں سے گلگت بلتستان کے عوام کا مینڈیٹ چرایا نہیں جا سکے گا۔

اپنے بیان میں انہوں نے کہا کہ اس وقت دو وفاقی وزراء گلگت بلتستان&hellip; pic.twitter.com/30QOuJc6pJ
&mdash; PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 7, 2026


However, PML-N candidate and former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was seen recording a video while casting his vote. He stamped the ballot paper in front of a camera after casting his vote at the Civil Dispensary polling station in his native Paltani Mohalla.

Under the election code of conduct, voters are not permitted to carry mobile phones or cameras inside polling stations. The incident drew attention as candidates themselves were accused of breaching election rules during the voting process.

Political parties shared videos of their workers chanting slogans and showing enthusiasm as polling drew to a close. The PML-N shared footage of its supporters raising slogans outside a polling station.



گلگت حلقہ 2

عوام کا فیصلہ
کوئی اور نہیں بس شیر#PMLNGilgitBaltistan#GBSherKa pic.twitter.com/pSPCckvGKO
&mdash; PMLN (@pmln_org) June 7, 2026


The PTI also released a video showing people on the streets carrying party flags and marching towards polling stations.



#جی_بی_کا_فیصلہ_عمران_خان pic.twitter.com/4qceLhnmor
&mdash; PTI Gilgit Baltistan (@PTIGBOfficial) June 7, 2026


Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) shared a video on X of the party&rsquo;s election camp in Skardu-I (GBLA-7), where voters and supporters gathered throughout the day, with party workers claiming strong public support for their candidate.



سکردو 1، جی بی ایل اے 7

مسلم لیگ ن کے کیمپ میں ووٹرز موجود , انشاءاللہ شیر بھاری اکثریت سے کامیاب ہوگا#PMLNGilgitBaltistan #GBSherKa pic.twitter.com/HD48FwA8rq
&mdash; PMLN (@pmln_org) June 7, 2026


PTI also shared a similar video of supporters gathered at the Domial Haiderpora polling station in Gilgit, chanting slogans in support of the PTI founder Imran Khan.



سب کا جگری سب کا یار قیدی نمبر 804
گلگت ڈومیال حیدر پورہ سٹیشن pic.twitter.com/9PlzNc9Co0
&mdash; PTI Gilgit Baltistan (@PTIGBOfficial) June 7, 2026


Candidates

The PPP has fielded 23 candidates, followed by PML-N with 22 and the IPP with 15.

PTI candidates are contesting as independents after the party lost its electoral symbol ahead of the 2024 general elections. The party has allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), with the alliance backing 22 candidates.

Other parties in the race include PML-Q, JUI-F, Jamaat-i-Islami, MQM-P, AWP and ANP. Only three women have been nominated by political parties, while five women are contesting as independents.

Among the key contenders are Amjad Hussain of the PPP, contesting from GBA-1 (Gilgit-I), and former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman of the PML-N, contesting from GBA-2 (Gilgit-II).

Video statements 

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a video message posted on polling day, urged voters in Gilgit-Baltistan to turn out in large numbers, saying the region&rsquo;s future could be transformed through political change and constitutional rights.

He said the party wanted to bring what he described as &ldquo;real rights&rdquo; and constitutional recognition to the region. &ldquo;I want to give the people of Gilgit-Baltistan their real rights,&rdquo; he said, adding that he also aimed to secure &ldquo;constitutional rights&rdquo; for the region.



چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری کا گلگت بلتستان کے عوام کیلئے پولنگ ڈے پر خصوصی پیغام

آج بڑی تعداد میں باہر نکال کر پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے نامزد امیدواروں کو تیر کے نشان پر مہر لگا کر کامیاب بنائیں تاکہ حق حاکمیت، حق روزگار، حق ملکیت کو یقینی بنایا جاسکے اور&hellip; pic.twitter.com/ib8t8Mw6MH
&mdash; PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 7, 2026


The PPP chairman said the party wanted to work towards integrating Gilgit-Baltistan more closely into Pakistan&rsquo;s constitutional framework. &ldquo;Come and make the Pakistan Peoples Party successful so that we can make Gilgit-Baltistan the fifth province,&rdquo; he said.

He also linked his appeal to employment and land reforms, urging voters to support the party so it could address youth unemployment.

&ldquo;I want to make you owners of your land,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We have passed legislation that has converted 28,000 square miles of land from state land into common land, and the cultivable portion has been made divisible.&rdquo;

PML-N&#39;s Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman also released a video message ahead of the polling day. He said the election is a chance to continue &ldquo;development, peace and stability&rdquo; in the region.



7 جون &mdash; الیکشن ڈے
سابق وزیرِ اعلیٰ گلگت بلتستان و صوبائی صدر پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) حافظ حفیظ الرحمن کا اپنے تمام ووٹرز، سپورٹرز، عوام اور کارکنان کے نام اہم پیغام:#GBSherKa #SherGBMein #PMLNGilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/CXgLkuNjyv
&mdash; Hafiz Hafeez Ur Rehman (@CMGBPK) June 6, 2026


Calling Sunday&rsquo;s vote a decisive moment, he urged supporters to back the PML-N&rsquo;s &lsquo;Lion&rsquo; symbol and ensure a high turnout. &ldquo;Tomorrow is the day of results, and I ask you to come out in large numbers and vote for development,&rdquo; he said.

Rehman outlined a series of pledges, including improved roads, new bypasses, a proposed metro bus service, better hospitals, and expanded solar energy schemes at the household level.

He also promised an end to prolonged power cuts and improvements in waste management and governance. &ldquo;We want to bring better hospitals, better roads, and end load-shedding in Gilgit-Baltistan,&rdquo; he said.

Linking his message to the party leadership, he said the vision of PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif would guide future development projects in the region.

Section 144

In Diamer district, authorities imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code for 60 days to maintain law and order. A notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Lt (retd) Muhammad Owais banned the public display of weapons, aerial firing, the use of firecrackers, and the unauthorised operation of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The order, effective from June 5, requires prior approval from the district magistrate for drone operations. Law enforcement agencies have been exempted from the restrictions. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators.

With polling preparations complete, a total of 551 polling stations, of 1,391, were declared highly sensitive, 349 were categorised as sensitive, and 488 fell under the normal category.

Security arrangements were made at the polling stations according to their category.

Of Gilgit&#39;s 253 polling stations, 154 were declared highly sensitive, 48 were categorised as sensitive, and 51 as normal. In Ghizer, of 207 stations, 69 were declared highly sensitive, 52 sensitive, and 83 normal.

Of Nagar&rsquo;s 85 polling stations, 18 were declared highly sensitive, 39 sensitive, and 28 normal, while 24 of Hunza&#39;s 88 polling stations were categorised as highly sensitive, 31 as sensitive, and 33 as normal.

In Skardu, out of 208 polling stations, 69 were declared highly sensitive, 51 sensitive, and 88 normal. Of Shigar&#39;s 71 stations, 17 were said to be highly sensitive, 23 sensitive, and 31 normal, while in Kharmang, out of 43 polling stations, 21 were declared highly sensitive, 10 sensitive, and 12 normal.

Similarly, of Ghanche&rsquo;s 154 polling stations, 26 were categorised as highly sensitive, 39 as sensitive, and 89 as normal, while of 108 polling stations in Astore, 34 were declared highly sensitive, 34 sensitive, and 40 normal.

Finally, of Diamer&rsquo;s 174 polling stations, 119 were declared highly sensitive, 22 sensitive, and 33 normal.

Security

Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced across the region. Punjab Police personnel have arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan to assist local authorities, including a deployment of 5,000 officers for election security duties.

Read More: Security tightened in G-B as Section 144 imposed in Diamer ahead of polls

In the Shigar district, 350 Punjab Police personnel will work alongside local police and other law enforcement agencies.

An additional 150 Islamabad Capital Territory Police officers &mdash; drawn from sensitive postings including the President&#39;s House, PM House, and Foreign Office security detail &mdash; have also been assigned election duty and are set to depart for G-B on Thursday, returning on June 9.

Campaign

The election campaign has unfolded in a politically uneven environment. While the PPP maintained a sustained and highly visible presence across Gilgit-Baltistan, the PTI&#39;s central leadership was largely absent from the campaign trail. PTI leaders alleged that the party faced restrictions on holding rallies and public meetings, hampering its ability to campaign freely. The conditions tilted the electoral contest in favour of the traditional mainstream parties, particularly the PPP and PML-N, which emerged as the dominant players in the campaign.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was among the most active leaders on the campaign trail, covering ground extensively across the region. He had called for G-B to be granted the same constitutional rights and powers available to the provinces under the 18th Amendment, arguing this is the only path to the region&#39;s people having genuine ownership of their resources.

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) was the newest entrant to the political landscape, launching its campaign in the region about 10 weeks before the elections. Taking advantage of the reduced political space for the PTI, the party managed to recruit several prominent political heavyweights and quickly establish a presence in the contest.

Led by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, the IPP sought to attract voters with pledges of infrastructure development, expressing confidence that its development-focused agenda would translate into seats in the assembly.

The PPP was further aided by dissatisfaction among sections of the electorate with the PML-N-led government over its response to protests that turned deadly in the wake of the killing of Iran&#39;s supreme leader.

Political observers believe the situation enabled the PPP to shape much of the campaign narrative ahead of polling day.

PML-N had deployed senior leadership on the ground, with Rafique, Khurram Dastgir Khan, and Abid Sher Ali leading rallies across multiple districts. Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Amir Muqam have also been active on the trail. Party president Nawaz Sharif addressed a rally earlier this week, pledging infrastructure, aviation, and energy projects for the region and promising to raise G-B&#39;s concerns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, on the other hand, had alleged it is operating under significant restrictions, with its election symbol removed and leaders like Asad Qaiser reportedly stopped from travelling to the region. Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan maintained that the party would continue its campaign despite these constraints.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/gb-21780860700-0/gb-21780860700-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>24 seats up for grabs as G-B goes to polls today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611863/24-seats-up-for-grabs-as-g-b-goes-to-polls-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611863/24-seats-up-for-grabs-as-g-b-goes-to-polls-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 26 21:47:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611863</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PML-N, PPP stake rival claims, PTI alleges 'pre-poll rigging']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The race for power in Gilgit-Baltistan entered its final hours on Saturday as election authorities completed preparations for the June 7 (today) Legislative Assembly polls, with more than 963,000 voters set to decide the fate of 403 candidates contesting 24 seats.

Polling will be held from 8am to 5pm, with 13 seats required to form the next government in the strategically important region.

With the campaign period drawing to a close, the political contest has sharpened between major parties, while extensive security and administrative arrangements have been put in place across the region.

Election officials said polling material was being dispatched to stations across Gilgit-Baltistan and all logistical preparations had been finalised ahead of voting day.

According to the election commission, 7,678 officials have been assigned election duties.

Authorities said a comprehensive security plan has also been finalised to ensure peaceful polling, while the delivery of election material to remote areas was continuing ahead of the vote.

Meanwhile, internet services in Gilgit city remained suspended, with mobile internet, fibre-optic connections and Wi-Fi services unavailable.

The disruption has caused communication difficulties for residents. Although no official notification confirming the suspension has been issued, political leaders and local residents believe the shutdown is linked to election-related security concerns.

In Diamer district, authorities imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code for 60 days to maintain law and order. A notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Lt (retd) Muhammad Owais banned the public display of weapons, aerial firing, the use of firecrackers, and unauthorised operation of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The order, effective from June 5, requires prior approval from the district magistrate for drone operations. Law enforcement agencies have been exempted from the restrictions. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators.

Election officials have also approved honorariums worth Rs276 million for approximately 7,500 officers and employees deployed on election duty. The allocations include payments for returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, polling officers and supporting staff.

In Diamer district alone, 158,714 registered voters, including 81,655 men and 77,059 women, will cast ballots across four constituencies. Authorities have established 174 polling stations and 380 polling booths in the district, with 119 polling stations classified as highly sensitive, 22 as sensitive and 33 as normal.

Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced across the region. Punjab Police personnel have arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan to assist local authorities, including a deployment of 5,000 officers for election security duties.

In the Shigar district, 350 Punjab Police personnel will work alongside local police and other law enforcement agencies.

Election officials said all polling material would reach stations by Saturday night. Voting by polling staff has already begun in some areas, while the deployment of election personnel has entered its final phase.

Across Gilgit-Baltistan, 1,391 polling stations have been established. Of these, 551 have been categorised as highly sensitive, 349 as sensitive and 488 as normal. Security arrangements have been tailored according to the classification of each polling station.

Among the districts, Gilgit has 154 highly sensitive polling stations out of 253, while Diamer has 119 highly sensitive stations out of 174. All 46 polling stations in Diamer&#39;s GBA-17 Darel constituency and all 32 stations in GBA-18 Tangir have been declared highly sensitive.

&nbsp;

PML-N, PPP stake rival claims

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have stepped up efforts to claim ownership of the region&#39;s political and development narrative as leaders of both parties asserted that their respective records have earned them enduring public support ahead of the vote.

As campaigning entered its final phase, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari projected confidence in PML-N&#39;s electoral prospects, claiming the party was receiving an overwhelming response from voters across the region and attributing its popularity to its development record.

Meanwhile, former federal minister Qamar Zaman Kaira highlighted PPP&#39;s historical role in shaping Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s political and constitutional landscape, arguing that the foundations of the region&#39;s governance and development were laid by successive PPP governments.

Azma Bukhari claimed that the PML-N was receiving an overwhelming response from voters across Gilgit-Baltistan.

&quot;Everywhere in Gilgit-Baltistan, one can hear chants of &#39;Lion, Lion and Lion&#39;,&quot; she said, adding that voters had always supported PML-N based on its performance. &quot;No party besides PML-N has laid even a single brick in Gilgit-Baltistan.&quot;

Taking aim at PTI, Bukhari asserted that the party had virtually no electoral support in the region.

Referring to PTI&#39;s complaints about restrictions on campaigning, she said, &quot;Their people have been making noise for a week that PTI is not being allowed to campaign. When they do not even have candidates in all constituencies, on what basis are they already crying rigging before the election?&quot;

&quot;As a political party, every narrative advanced by PTI eventually proves to be a wall of sand,&quot; she said.

&quot;Compete with PML-N on performance. Lies and propaganda are failed political tactics.&quot;

She also pledged further development in the region. &quot;We can proudly say that we will make Gilgit as beautiful as Lahore,&quot; she vowed.

Meanwhile, Qamar Zaman Kaira highlighted the PPP&#39;s historical role in Gilgit-Baltistan and credited it with introducing key political and administrative reforms.

&quot;Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto liberated Gilgit-Baltistan from a feudal and oppressive system,&quot; Kaira said.

He stated that major reforms were introduced during Bhutto&#39;s tenure after the abolition of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and the commissioner system.

&quot;Reforms were introduced in Gilgit-Baltistan during Bhutto&#39;s era after ending the FCR and commissioner system,&quot; he said.

Kaira argued that the foundations of the region&#39;s development were laid during the governments of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

&quot;Asif Ali Zardari provided Gilgit-Baltistan with a political and constitutional structure in 2009,&quot; he said. &quot;Under the Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, Gilgit-Baltistan was granted a provincial-style system of governance.&quot;

&quot;The system of chief minister, governor and state institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan was a historic initiative of the PPP government,&quot; he said.

Kaira further said the PPP had attempted to advance major projects such as the Bunji and Diamer-Bhasha dams and had introduced policies aimed at providing subsidised flour and travel facilities to residents.

&quot;The PPP formulated policies to provide Gilgit-Baltistan with affordable flour and travel facilities,&quot; he said.

Claiming that the party&#39;s support base remained intact, Kaira said: &quot;The people of Gilgit-Baltistan still maintain a historic relationship with the Pakistan Peoples Party.&quot;

&nbsp;

PTI alleges &#39;pre-poll rigging&#39;

Meanwhile, the PTI accused the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments of orchestrating &quot;pre-poll rigging&quot;, alleging that an unprecedented deployment of more than 13,000 security personnel from outside the region, coupled with communication disruptions, arrests of workers and restrictions on campaigning, was aimed at influencing the electoral outcome.

Calling on the international community, human rights organisations and democratic forces to intervene, the party claimed that fundamental rights were being violated and democracy undermined in the run-up to the polls.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that a series of administrative and security measures were being used to suppress the party&#39;s electoral prospects in the region.

Addressing a press conference, Akram slammed the extraordinary deployment of external security personnel and the &quot;systematic suppression&quot; of the PTI.

&quot;In a region with a total population of approximately 900,000 and only 5,600 GB police personnel, the federal government has deployed over 13,000 additional security personnel from outside Gilgit-Baltistan, including 11,000 from the Punjab Police, 1,000 from the Sindh Police, 700 from the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and 140 from the ICT Police,&quot; he said.

&quot;This overwhelming presence of external forces, far exceeding the requirements of the local population, lays bare the regime&#39;s alleged intent to seize control of polling stations, disrupt the voting process with the help of local proxies and engineer a pre-determined outcome on election day,&quot; he alleged.

Akram further claimed: &quot;This massive influx of police is not for maintaining peace but for orchestrating large-scale rigging. The Form-47 government is deliberately pushing the peaceful region of Gilgit-Baltistan into an atmosphere of fear and hostility by attempting to prevent genuine voters from exercising their right to vote for the PTI.&quot;

He also alleged systematic pre-poll rigging, claiming that internet services and landlines had been disrupted across Gilgit in &quot;a classic tactic to sever communication among PTI workers and supporters&quot;. He further claimed that key PTI workers had been arrested in Gilgit over the past two days, even as the party&#39;s electoral position in the region was improving.

&quot;PTI MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) were coerced and bribed to abandon the party. Leaders and workers loyal to Chairman Imran Khan were forced into exile from GB. The PTI election symbol was arbitrarily banned,&quot; Akram claimed.

Referring to electoral alliances, he alleged: &quot;A last-minute alliance with the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party was sabotaged when its symbol was abruptly withdrawn at midnight via a single text message to returning officers, without any written orders or legal justification from the Election Commission.&quot;

He further alleged irregularities in polling arrangements and ballot access.

&quot;Polling schemes were manipulated to target PTI and local nationalist candidates. Postal ballots for PTI have been blocked under fabricated pretexts, while PPP and PML-N candidates enjoy unrestricted access,&quot; Akram alleged.

The PTI leader also accused authorities of restricting the party&#39;s political activities during the campaign.

&quot;Rallies have been stopped and public movement restricted. Even the chief election commissioner told PTI lawyers that the party&#39;s candidates should be &#39;thankful&#39; for being allowed to submit nomination forms - a shocking admission of the commission&#39;s alleged partisan role and complete abandonment of neutrality,&quot; he said.

Akram further claimed that government ministers had worked during the final phase of nominations to ensure that no viable PTI candidate remained in the field. He alleged that voters were being pressured to support the Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, while pre-poll rigging continued across constituencies.

&quot;It is an open secret that both the PPP and PML-N are banking on yet another Form 47-style manipulation because they know the people of Gilgit-Baltistan overwhelmingly support Imran Khan and the PTI,&quot; he claimed.

&quot;The message has been clearly conveyed to PTI leaders that the party will not be allowed to win any seats, and that any resistance or noise will result in the disqualification of candidates before polling. This is not an election; it is a state-orchestrated farce designed to crush the democratic will of the people,&quot; Akram asserted.

Warning that such tactics would not succeed, he said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan remained committed to the vision of Imran Khan and would resist efforts to undermine the democratic process. He reiterated the party&#39;s call on the international community, human rights organisations and democratic forces to take immediate notice of a gross violation of fundamental rights and the &quot;blatant murder of democracy&quot; in the region.

Separately, the PTI expressed concern over the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government&#39;s decision to declare the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation.

In an official statement, the party said: &quot;The party strongly believes that political, social and constitutional grievances must be addressed through democratic engagement, meaningful dialogue and constitutional means, not through bans, coercion or the use of force.&quot;

Questioning the government&#39;s move, it added: &quot;If JAAC was truly a terrorist organisation, why did the government spend months negotiating with it, signing agreements with it, implementing its demands, holding meetings with its leadership and treating it as a legitimate stakeholder?&quot;

The PTI argued that the move reflected the &quot;same failed model&quot; previously used against the party, involving the suppression of peaceful protest, road blockades, communication shutdowns, intimidation of citizens and the branding of &quot;every democratic demand as a threat to the state&quot;.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/431780782481-2/431780782481-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Security tightened in G-B as Section 144 imposed in Diamer ahead of polls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611729/security-tightened-in-g-b-as-section-144-imposed-in-diamer-ahead-of-polls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611729/security-tightened-in-g-b-as-section-144-imposed-in-diamer-ahead-of-polls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 26 05:51:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Waqas Chaudhry]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611729</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[District administration appeals to citizens to comply with order, warns of strict action against violators]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The district administration of Diamer in Gilgit Baltistan (G-B) imposed Section 144 for a period of 60 days, effective June 5 as authorities complete final preparations for the elections.

The imposition of Section 144 was issued by District Magistrate Diamer Lieutenant (Retired) Muhammad Awais, and covered a broad range of restrictions targeting public safety risks and the protection of sensitive installations.

Under the directives, a complete ban has been placed on the &quot;carrying or display of all types of arms and ammunition, aerial firing and the use of crackers,&quot; along with a ban on &quot;flying, operation and use of all types of drones, quadcopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).&quot;



Section 144 imposed in Diamer, G-B

The ban, exempting those who have obtained written NOCs from the district magistrate along with law enforcement agencies, has been enforced &quot;in view of the prevailing security environment and emerging threats to public safety, sensitive installation and strategic infrastructure within District Diamer.&quot;

The notification further stated, &quot;Any unregulated or unauthorised flying of drones/UAVs, incidents of aerial firing and the use of explosive fireworks pose a serious threat to law and order, public tranquillity, and security of government buildings,&quot; adding that the same poses grave risks to human life, property, and may result in fire hazards in public spaces.

Read: Tensions mount in G-B ahead of vote

According to the district magistrate, &quot;the situation is emergent and requires immediate preventive measures to maintain public tranquillity, ensure the safety of human life, and avert any potential disturbance of public peace.&quot;

The district administration appealed to citizens to comply with the orders in letter and spirit, warning that strict legal action will be taken against any potential violators.

With polling preparations complete, a total of 551 polling stations, of 1,391, were declared highly sensitive, 349 were categorised as sensitive, and 488 fell under the normal category.

Security arrangements were made at the polling stations according to their category.

Of Gilgit&#39;s 253 polling stations, 154 were declared highly sensitive, 48 were categorised as sensitive, and 51 as normal. In Ghizer, of 207 stations, 69 were declared highly sensitive, 52 sensitive, and 83 normal.

Of Nagar&rsquo;s 85 polling stations, 18 were declared highly sensitive, 39 sensitive, and 28 normal, while 24 of Hunza&#39;s 88 polling stations were categorised as highly sensitive, 31 as sensitive, and 33 as normal.

Read More: FO rebuffs New Delhi&rsquo;s &lsquo;outlandish claims&rsquo; over GB elections

In Skardu, out of 208 polling stations, 69 were declared highly sensitive, 51 sensitive, and 88 normal. Of Shigar&#39;s 71 stations, 17 were said to be highly sensitive, 23 sensitive, and 31 normal, while in Kharmang, out of 43 polling stations, 21 were declared highly sensitive, 10 sensitive, and 12 normal.

Similarly, of Ghanche&rsquo;s 154 polling stations, 26 were categorised as highly sensitive, 39 as sensitive, and 89 as normal, while of 108 polling stations in Astore, 34 were declared highly sensitive, 34 sensitive, and 40 normal.

Finally, of Diamer&rsquo;s 174 polling stations, 119 were declared highly sensitive, 22 sensitive, and 33 normal.

Also Read: Salman Akram Raja, PTI leaders say barred from entering G-B ahead of polls

The G-B Assembly elections are due to take place on June 7, with the assembly having completed its five-year tenure in November 2025. Elections, originally scheduled for January 24, were postponed due to severe weather conditions.

June 7 was later finalised as the only feasible window before the onset of Muharram in mid-June, which would otherwise have pushed polling into late summer or early autumn.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/gb1780730329-0/gb1780730329-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>FO rebuffs New Delhi’s ‘outlandish claims’ over GB elections</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611678/fo-terms-indias-remarks-on-g-b-elections-outlandish-claims</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611678/fo-terms-indias-remarks-on-g-b-elections-outlandish-claims#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 26 19:47:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611678</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Urges India to vacate occupied territories and reverse unilateral actions in IIOJK]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan on Friday categorically rejected India&rsquo;s baseless remarks regarding the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), describing the outlandish claims as part of New Delhi&rsquo;s &ldquo;carefully choreographed attempt to conflate fact with fiction&rdquo;.

The statement came after India, in a statement issued by its foreign ministry earlier in the day, objected to the elections in G-B, claiming that &ldquo;the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the so-called &lsquo;Gilgit-Baltistan&rsquo;, are integral and inalienable parts of India&rdquo;.

General elections in G-B are scheduled to be held on June 7 after being postponed for four months due to severe winter conditions. Political parties, including the PPP and PML-N, had intensified their campaigns across the region, holding rallies and corner meetings ahead of the polls, as electioneering concluded at midnight on Friday.



🔊 PR No.1️⃣4️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Pakistan Rejects India&rsquo;s Remarks on Gilgit-Baltistan Elections, Reaffirms Position on Jammu and Kashmir

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NQ5hvZDtPu
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 5, 2026


&ldquo;We unequivocally reject this latest Indian rhetoric with the contempt it deserves,&rdquo; the Foreign Office said in a statement, accusing India of being a global leader in propagating fake narratives and tendentious propaganda.

Reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s stance on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the FO said the Kashmir dispute remained the longest unresolved item on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, originating from India&rsquo;s forcible and unlawful occupation of the territory in 1947.

&ldquo;The only just and durable settlement of the dispute lies in the faithful implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which guarantee the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices,&rdquo; it added.

Read: Bilawal vows land and job rights for G-B, stresses value of digital connectivity

The Foreign Office further said that India&rsquo;s assertions regarding G-B could not divert attention from what it described as grave and systematic human rights violations in IIOJK. &ldquo;The continued impunity enjoyed by Indian forces under draconian laws in the occupied territory was another dimension of what it termed state terrorism against unarmed Kashmiris,&rdquo; said the statement.

Pakistan called on India to vacate all occupied territories, reverse all illegal and unilateral actions taken in IIOJK, particularly since August 5, 2019, repeal all draconian laws, and allow access to neutral observers, international human rights and humanitarian organisations, and international media to assess the situation on the ground while urging that the Kashmiri people be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Mar-21-2024-12-46-30_fo121729792372-0/Mar-21-2024-12-46-30_fo121729792372-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Fact-check: Viral video of snow avalanche in Gilgit-Baltistan is from March 2026</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611589/fact-check-viral-video-of-snow-avalanche-in-gilgit-baltistan-is-from-march-2026</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611589/fact-check-viral-video-of-snow-avalanche-in-gilgit-baltistan-is-from-march-2026#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 26 08:45:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Fact Check By iVerify]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611589</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Video shows an avalanche blocking a road in G-B as people in the background can be heard screaming in panic]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan is experiencing an intense heatwave this year, with the mercury crossing 50&deg;C in some parts of the country. In its weather outlook for May 26-31, the National Disaster Management Authority warned that rising temperatures, heatwave conditions, flash floods, and landslides could impact several parts of the country, especially the northern and southern regions.

It added that there was also a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the NDMA also issued an advisory, warning of an increase in potential GLOF events from March to September 2026 due to an anticipated rise in temperatures, changing weather patterns, and possible early heatwave conditions in northern Pakistan.

Since Tuesday, a video has been circulating on X showing an avalanche blocking a road in Gilgit-Baltistan as people in the background can be heard screaming in panic, with some even chanting &lsquo;Allahu Akbar&rsquo;.

Many social media users shared the video claiming that the visuals were recent and raising alarm over Pakistan&rsquo;s weakening glaciers. Some also used the clip to warn tourists heading up north for vacations.

The video was also shared by local digital news outlets on YouTube and Instagram, as seen here, here, here, and here.

It must be noted that none of these posts mentioned when the incident occurred.

A keyword search conducted to corroborate whether any national or local media outlets had reported on recent avalanches in G-B did not yield any results.

Conducting a Google reverse image search yielded a Facebook video shared by state media outlet Pakistan TV, dated March 13, with the caption, &ldquo;An avalanche blocked a river in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan amid snowfall ahead of the spring season.&rdquo;

The caption concluded with the hashtags #GilgitBaltistan #AvalancheAlert #NorthernPakistan #SnowfallImpact.



https://www.facebook.com/PakistanTVGlobal/videos/an-avalanche-blocked-a-river-in-the-mountains-of-gilgit-baltistan-in-northern-pa/2054644285085913/



The video was also shared by Bol Hunza, a regional media network and page that covers news in the G-B region, on their Instagram account. It was dated March 13. According to the caption of the post, the incident occurred in the upper Hunza.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





The same video was also shared by multiple users on X and Facebook at different periods of time during April and May.

Jamil Nagri, Dawn correspondent in G-B, also confirmed to iVerify Pakistan that no such event had taken place in the region recently and that the video dated back to March.

During an avalanche, a mass of snow, rock, ice, soil, and other material slides swiftly down a mountainside.

In a report released in March, the NDMA said that the incidence of avalanches is highest in Pakistan from February to April when heavy snowfall events are followed by temperature fluctuations, strong winds, and additional snow loading.

It further stated that expanding infrastructure, including the Karakoram Highway, hydropower installations, and settlements located in narrow valleys, increases exposure to avalanche hazards. Districts such as Chitral, Upper Dir, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum, and Haveli remain particularly vulnerable.

Research shows the frequency of avalanches in the Himalayan mountains has increased in recent years in what is called an &ldquo;expected consequence&rdquo; of climate change.

Conclusion 

The claim that a viral video shows a recent snow avalanche in G-B is misleading.

The video is from March 2026. Moreover, according to the NDMA, the highest incidence of avalanches in Pakistan is from February to April.

This fact check was originally published by iVerify Pakistan &mdash; a project of CEJ-IBA and UNDP.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-421780649733-0/untitled-design-421780649733-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PML-N leadership meets in Islamabad to finalise G-B election tickets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603763/pml-n-leadership-meets-in-islamabad-to-finalise-g-b-election-tickets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603763/pml-n-leadership-meets-in-islamabad-to-finalise-g-b-election-tickets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 26 08:24:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603763</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Board includes PM Shehbaz, Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif, Maryam Nawaz and others]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and party leader Nawaz Sharif, met in Islamabad at Punjab House on Monday to finalise party tickets for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) elections, according to party sources.

Nawaz arrived at Punjab House in Islamabad, where members of the party&rsquo;s parliamentary board had also gathered for the meeting. A 23-member parliamentary board has been formed by the party leadership to select suitable candidates for the G-B general elections.

The board includes PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister and PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Hamza Shehbaz, Khawaja Saad Rafique, and Ijaz Shah are also part of the panel.

PML-N Gilgit-Baltistan President Hafeezur Rehman and senior party leaders, including Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Anusha Rahman, Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar, and Chaudhry Barjees Tahir, are also attending the meeting.

Read More: Terror threat: Gilgit-Baltistan put on high alert

In addition, PML-N Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Engineer Amir Muqam and Gilgit-Baltistan leaders Haji Akbar Taban, Shams Mir, Muhammad Ashraf Sada, Muhammad Anwar, Arman Shah, Sultan Ali Khan, and Muhammad Imran Wakeel are participating as members of the parliamentary board.

A high-level PML-N delegation from Gilgit-Baltistan had earlier met Sanaullah and Muqam last week to discuss preparations for the upcoming general elections. The meeting included detailed consultations on the overall political situation, organisational matters, and future electoral strategy in G-B, according to a press release.

It was agreed to field strong, capable, and popular candidates in all constituencies, while accelerating and streamlining the election campaign. The participants also agreed to expand public outreach efforts.

G-B elections on June 7

The G-B Election Commission Secretariat, in a notification, on April 12, announced June 7 as the poll day for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly general elections. It added that the elections would be held under the Election Act 2017 and G-B Order 2018.

General elections for the G-B Assembly were originally scheduled for January 24. However, days after the announcement, the elections were postponed indefinitely due to harsh weather conditions in the region.

Earlier this month, Khan said the GB Election Commission was preparing to conduct the elections but had not yet decided on a date. Fourteen political parties had stood opposed to holding elections in the months of January or February due to harsh weather conditions, as many areas remained cut off from other areas amid heavy snowfall.

Political parties in G-B were uncertain about holding elections before June but feared they could be delayed until October. They agreed that holding elections during Muharram, which begins on June 15 or 16 this year, or on other religious occasions such as Chehlum, was not possible.

Political leaders, therefore, feared that postponing elections until June could effectively delay them until September or October.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-2026-04-20t142951-7511776677362-0/untitled-design-2026-04-20t142951-7511776677362-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>NDMA warns of nationwide rain, thunderstorms over next 24 hours</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599229/ndma-warns-of-nationwide-rain-thunderstorms-over-next-24-hours</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599229/ndma-warns-of-nationwide-rain-thunderstorms-over-next-24-hours#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 26 13:52:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2599229</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to see rain with thunderstorms]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of nationwide thunderstorms and rainfall over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to an advisory issued by the authority, a system of western winds entering from the southwestern belt of Balochistan is likely to affect most regions, bringing rain accompanied by strong winds and gusty storms.

The NDMA cautioned that ongoing rainfall may lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal. Residents in vulnerable localities have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures to minimise potential damage.

Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin over the next 12 to 24 hours. Rainfall is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

Read: Govt proposes optional multi-tariff system for industries

The advisory stated that various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms, dust storms and strong winds, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.

In view of the anticipated downpour, the NDMA has issued an alert for possible flooding in several districts of K-P and Balochistan. Flash floods are forecast in Balochistan, particularly in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela.

In K-P, flood-like conditions are expected in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi. Authorities have advised precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.

Snowfall is also expected in the upper and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and K-P during the next 12 to 24 hours.

Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in several districts of K-P, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur. Dust storms, strong winds and rain are also expected in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

NDMA also forecast rainfall in parts of G-B and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley.

In Balochistan, rain is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela during the same period.

Also Read: Doha flights resume as Pakistan restores Middle East air links after 25-day disruption

Rain with thunderstorms is also expected in Sindh cities including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Larkana.

The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms may damage weak structures, trees and power lines. Rainfall could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas is likely to affect travel.

Continuous rainfall in hilly regions may heighten the risk of landslides. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive cautiously and follow official weather advisories. During strong winds and storms, the public has been urged to stay away from trees, fragile structures and installations.

The authority also advised tourists and travellers heading to northern areas to be cautious and check weather and road conditions in advance, while encouraging citizens to obtain timely updates through its official mobile application, &ldquo;Pak NDMA Disaster Alert.&rdquo;

Meanwhile, the NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to cope with the expected weather situation.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/rain1773852887-0/rain1773852887-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>German envoy lauds Lift Irrigation Project in G-B's Nagar district</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2572763/german-envoy-lauds-lift-irrigation-project-in-g-bs-nagar-district</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2572763/german-envoy-lauds-lift-irrigation-project-in-g-bs-nagar-district#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 25 15:39:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[SHABBIR MIR]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2572763</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Project viewed as milestone in rural development, combining advanced engineering with strong community participation]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[German Ambassador to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, visited the Qorqon Dass Lift Irrigation Project in Gilgit-Baltistan&rsquo;s Nagar district on Thursday, commending the initiative for transforming barren mountain slopes into fertile farmland and promoting large-scale afforestation in the region.

The German envoy met with local community members and representatives of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), which implemented the project under the Hydropower and Renewable Energy Phase II (HRE-II) initiative, supported by Germany&rsquo;s KfW Development Bank.

The innovative irrigation system pumps water 418 feet uphill to the Qorqon Dass plateau, enabling the cultivation of 1,200 kanals of previously uncultivable land. The project is viewed as a milestone in sustainable rural development, combining advanced engineering with strong community participation.



&ldquo;This initiative reflects the enduring partnership between the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and German development cooperation,&rdquo; Lepel said. &ldquo;It demonstrates how collaboration and shared commitment can yield tangible progress in improving livelihoods and resilience.&rdquo;

A distinctive feature of the project is its focus on women&rsquo;s empowerment. Thirty per cent of the newly irrigated land &mdash; about 360 kanals &mdash; has been allocated to women&rsquo;s organisations, giving them ownership and direct control over agricultural production for the first time.

&ldquo;The water lifted uphill has also lifted our place in the community,&rdquo; said Bibi Hoor, president of the Akbarabad Women Organisation.

In addition to advancing gender equality, the community has designated another 30 per cent of the land for wildlife habitats, highlighting its commitment to biodiversity and climate resilience.

&ldquo;Climate change has hit our mountains hard &mdash; springs have dried up, and wildlife is vanishing,&rdquo; said Sajid Ali, chairman of the Shainbar Rural Support Organisation. &ldquo;By dedicating land to both farming and biodiversity, we are healing both our people and our environment.&rdquo;

Villagers described the project as both an engineering feat and a social transformation. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s like making the river climb the mountain,&rdquo; remarked a local elder as the first streams reached the plateau.

Located about 50 kilometres from Gilgit and perched 6,079 feet above sea level, Chalt in Nagar has long relied on subsistence farming. The new irrigation system is expected to benefit over 570 families by enhancing food security, boosting incomes, and fostering environmental regeneration.

For AKRSP, the project continues a four-decade legacy of helping mountain communities reclaim and cultivate over 131,000 hectares of new land across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Experts say the Qorqon Dass project&rsquo;s integration of technology, social equity, and environmental stewardship makes it a model for climate-smart rural development in Pakistan&rsquo;s northern areas.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/whatsapp-image-2025-10-16-at-19-29-281760629845-0/whatsapp-image-2025-10-16-at-19-29-281760629845-0.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Singer Quratulain Balouch dodges rare bear attack in Deosai</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2565204/singer-quratulain-balouch-dodges-rare-bear-attack-in-deosai</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2565204/singer-quratulain-balouch-dodges-rare-bear-attack-in-deosai#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 25 07:55:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[SHABBIR MIR]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2565204</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[G-B government bans camping in the Deosai National Park]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Quratulain Balouch, the Pakistani singer famed for Woh Humsafar Tha, survived a rare bear attack in Deosai &mdash; an incident that has prompted the Gilgit-Baltistan government to ban camping in the Deosai National Park .



&nbsp;

Singer&rsquo;s hands bandaged after bear attack

Read: Protecting Deosai bears

Balouch was attacked near Bara Pani and later rescued in an injured condition. Hospital staff said both her arms were wounded in the incident, but she was shifted to Skardu Regional Hospital where doctors confirmed she is stable and out of danger.

Giligit Baltistan spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said that under the new restrictions, no tourist or traveler will be allowed to camp overnight in Deosai.

Often described as the &ldquo;Land of Giants,&rdquo; Deosai is one of the world&rsquo;s highest plateaus, stretching over 3,000 square kilometres at an altitude above 13,000 feet. The windswept plateau, carpeted with wildflowers in summer, is home to rare wildlife including the endangered Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, ibex, golden marmot, lynx, musk deer, and several migratory bird species.

The G-B government said the camping ban was imposed to ensure the safety of visitors and to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem, which conservationists say is increasingly under pressure from rising tourism.

Balouch, popularly known as QB, rose to prominence with her rendition of Woh Humsafar Tha, the title track of the hit drama Humsafar. She later performed several Coke Studio favourites and playback songs in Bollywood films.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/copy-of-untitled-51757063637-1/copy-of-untitled-51757063637-1.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Hasan Raheem backs uncle’s G-B election bid, sharing posts and campaign clips</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611605/hasan-raheem-backs-uncles-g-b-election-bid-sharing-posts-and-campaign-clips</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611605/hasan-raheem-backs-uncles-g-b-election-bid-sharing-posts-and-campaign-clips#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 26 10:34:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611605</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Singer's 'loyalty should be in the blood' remark went viral on social media after being reshared by multiple accounts]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a notable crossover between entertainment and politics, singer Hasan Raheem has drawn public attention after openly supporting his uncle, Jibran Rashid Khan, who is contesting in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections on June 7.

Khan, a member of the G-B Bar Council, is running as a candidate from the GBA-2 constituency in the upcoming elections. His campaign has gained increased visibility after Raheem shared posts and video clips from political gatherings and campaign events on social media.

One widely circulated video shows Raheem expressing support with the statement: &ldquo;Wafadari khoon mein honi chahiye [Loyalty should be in the blood].&rdquo; The clip quickly went viral across social media platforms after being reshared by multiple accounts.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





Raheem also encouraged young voters to support his uncle&rsquo;s campaign.

He shared an Instagram story featuring Khan with supporters in the background, captioned &ldquo;Ice Cap,&rdquo; further amplifying online engagement around the campaign.



Screengrab: hasan_raheem/Instagram

Khan himself has also been active on social media, addressing key issues during campaign messaging. In one clip, he highlighted economic challenges, stating:

&ldquo;It is my message to you that Pakistan is 97,000b in debt. We are surviving on IMF programmes, fuel is going up, we don&#39;t have power in winters,&rdquo;&nbsp;he said while discussing prominent issues.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





He also emphasised democratic participation, saying: &ldquo;Primarily in a democracy, a single voter can make a change,&rdquo; adding that collective voter turnout could &ldquo;change the fate of the nation.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





The campaign also received attention from rapper Talha Anjum, who appeared in a promotional statement urging supporters to back Khan. He said, &ldquo;He understands your problems. I ask you to depend on him.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





When Raheem asked about his motivation for supporting his uncle, he described politics as &ldquo;a very dangerous game,&rdquo; adding that &ldquo;creative minds discuss creative ideas.&rdquo; He further commented that &ldquo;humanity has no religion and it does not come with a cost,&rdquo; emphasising unity and collective progress.

In another widely shared clip, the singer is seen driving through G-Bwith supporters while music plays in the background, further amplifying the visibility of the campaign.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





The endorsements have sparked mixed reactions online.

While some praised the involvement of public figures in regional politics, others criticised the messaging and questioned the appropriateness of celebrity-led political promotion.





Comments circulating on social media included concerns about youth engagement and voter eligibility. They included remarks such as &ldquo;It is the elections, not a concert,&rdquo; while others questioned youth engagement, noting that &ldquo;16-year-olds can&rsquo;t vote.&rdquo;

The episode highlights the growing overlap between celebrity influence and regional politics, where social media visibility can rapidly amplify campaign narratives while also fuelling debate over the role of public figures in electoral engagement.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/hasan-in-politics1780655858-0/hasan-in-politics1780655858-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PMD issues flood, landslide warning as heavy rains expected in northern parts from Sept 26 to Oct 1</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2497969/pmd-issues-flood-landslide-warning-as-heavy-rains-expected-in-northern-parts-from-sept-26-to-oct-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2497969/pmd-issues-flood-landslide-warning-as-heavy-rains-expected-in-northern-parts-from-sept-26-to-oct-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Sep 24 19:48:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2497969</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Meanwhile, hot and dry weather is predicted for Balochistan and Sindh during this period]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a warning on Sunday about the potential for heavy rains from September 26 to October 1, which could lead to flooding and landslides, particularly in the low-lying and northern regions of the country.&nbsp;

The Met Office indicated that moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to enter the upper parts of the country starting September 25, alongside a westerly wave that will approach from September 26.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Heavy rains may increase flow in local nullas/streams in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Northeast Punjab during the forecast period,&rdquo; the statement read.

Urban flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Sialkot, while landslides could disrupt road access in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan throughout the forecast period.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Kurram, Orakzai, and Kohat from September 26 to October 1.&nbsp;

Heavy rainfall is anticipated from September 27 to October 1 in Hangu, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan, with occasional breaks in precipitation.

In Punjab, the Met Office forecasts rain with thundershowers in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Wazirabad from September 26 to October 1.&nbsp;

Heavy rains accompanied by thundershowers are expected in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, and Bhakkar from September 27 to October 1.

In Azad Kashmir, rain with thundershowers is projected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from September 26 to October 2.

The northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan is also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms from September 26 to October 2, particularly in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghanche, and Shigar.

Meanwhile, hot and dry weather is predicted for Balochistan and Sindh during this period. However, isolated rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and surrounding areas from September 26 to 28.

The Met Office cautioned that windstorms and lightning could damage fragile structures, including mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.&nbsp;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/181722382029-0/181722382029-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sadpara missing during K2 climb, rescue launched</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282898/renowned-pakistani-mountaineer-sadpara-missing-during-k2-clim-rescue-launched</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282898/renowned-pakistani-mountaineer-sadpara-missing-during-k2-clim-rescue-launched#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 21 10:06:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2282898</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rescue helicopter asked to fly as high as possible to maximise chances of locating missing climbers]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Renowned Pakistani mountaineer Muhammad Ali Sadpara &mdash; along with climbers from Iceland and Chile &mdash; is reported to be missing during his winter climb on K2 and contact with the 3-member expedition has not been established since yesterday.

Shigar district Assistant Commissioner Waqas Johar told The Express Tribune on Saturday that a rescue operation has now been launched to locate the missing climbers and high altitude porters are on the way to Camp-1 in this connection. &ldquo;They will spend the night there and will start their search operation by tomorrow morning,&rdquo; he added.

Sajid Sadpara, Ali&rsquo;s son, is now descending from Camp-1, said Johar. &ldquo;Unfortunately, no news about the missing climbers yet,&rdquo; he added.

The Alpine Adventure Guides also confirmed the development on Twitter.




For Search &amp; rescue mission the pilot has been instructed to take the flight up as maximum as possible, it&rsquo;s very low temperature and 35+ KM wind above 6500m. At the basecamp, we have prepared oxygen bottles, high foods, masks, regulators for 2 Pakistani climbers (HAP). pic.twitter.com/GQNqG4ifUI
&mdash; Alpine Adventure Guides (@Alpine_Pakistan) February 6, 2021



&nbsp;

The tweet added that the rescue mission has been asked to take the helicopter as high as possible to maximise chances of finding the missing climbers.

However, Gilgit-Baltistan Home Secretary Muhammad Ali Randhawa later said that the high altitude porters had returned back to K2 Base Camp along with Sajjid Sadpara, Ali&rsquo;s son. &ldquo;They will discuss with other fellow climbers and then decide their next strategy of search operation,&rdquo; he said in a tweet.




The high altitude porters have returned back to K2 Base Camp along with sajjid Sadpara. They will discuss with other fellow climbers and then decide their next strategy of search operation . #K2WinterSummit2021
&mdash; Muhammad Ali Randhawa (@RandhawaAli) February 6, 2021



&nbsp;

Sajid had to earlier abort his ascent due to a malfunctioning oxygen regulator and descended to Camp 3. On Friday evening, he went out to search for the other team members but did not find any trace of them.




I just got in contact with Sajid at C3. He went out to check if there is any trace of them. He hasn&#39;t saw any lights or any movement. He has food,sleeping bag and he is holding tight. We&#39;ll publish the news as soon as he informs us.#k2winterexpedition2021@john_snorri
&mdash; Muhammad Ali Sadpara (@ali_sadpara) February 5, 2021



&nbsp;

Sadpara is a Pakistani mountaineer and has proudly hoisted the country&#39;s flag on eight peaks. He was also part of the team which successfully achieved the first-ever winter summit on Nanga Parbat in 2016.

Earlier, a Bulgarian mountaineer fell to his death during another expedition, his team said Friday.

Seven Summit Treks &mdash; a trekking company leading the expedition &mdash; said Atanas Skatov, 42, fell as he was changing ropes during his descent to basecamp.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan also confirmed the incident, saying his body was later recovered and flown by a Pakistani military helicopter to the nearby city of Skardu.

Skatov is the second climber to die on K2&#39;s slopes this season after a Spanish mountaineer fell to his death last month.

A third climber &mdash; Russian-American Alex Goldfarb &mdash; also died on a nearby mountain during an acclimatising mission ahead of a bid to scale Broad Peak in January.

Winds on K2&#39;s peak can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour (125 miles per hour) and temperatures drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 76 Fahrenheit).

With Pakistan&#39;s borders open and with few other places to go, this winter an unprecedented four teams totalling around 60 climbers have converged on the mountain, more than all previous expeditions put together.

Unlike Mount Everest, which has been topped by thousands of climbers young and old, K2 is much less travelled.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/ali-sadpara-twitter1612551268-0/ali-sadpara-twitter1612551268-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>First NGMS spectrum auction for AJK, G-B held in Islamabad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322484/first-ngms-spectrum-auction-for-ajk-g-b-held-in-islamabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322484/first-ngms-spectrum-auction-for-ajk-g-b-held-in-islamabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 21 06:36:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2322484</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Total revenue generated from spectrum auction process stands at over $30 million]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The first cellular spectrum auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) in Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) was successfully held on Wednesday at the&nbsp;Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)&#39;s headquarters in Islamabad.

According to a press release issued by the authority, the electronic auction was participated in by two operators, CMPak (Zong)&nbsp;and PMCL (Jazz) for the 1,800 MHz band.

The electronic auction went up to 18 rounds and was concluded by declaring Zong as the winner of 10 MHz (2 blocks of 5 MHz) in 1,800 MHz band against the price of $14.398 million.

The communique further added that the spectrum sold in the 1,800 MHz band was 85 per cent of the total offered spectrum in the said band for AJK and G-B.

Furthermore, Telenor, Ufone and Zong have also won 1.2 MHz in 1,800 MHz band.

Telenor Pakistan was declared a winner in the 2,100 MHz band for a spectrum of 15 MHz against the set base price, the press release added. The spectrum sold in 2100 MHz band is 50 pc of the total offered spectrum in the said band, it said.

Read&nbsp;High-speed internet to boost work from home

The total revenue generated from this spectrum auction process for AJK &amp; GB stood at over $30 million.

&ldquo;PTA completed the auction process with the assistance of internationally reputed consultant JV Telconet / Frontier Economics who was on-board since April 2021, and conducted thorough consultation with cellular industry and other stakeholders,&rdquo; the press release stated, adding that the federal government constituted an Auction Advisory Committee in October 2020 under the chairmanship of (then) finance minister.

The Policy Directive was issued on August&nbsp;11, 2021 under which the PTA initiated the process for fair and transparent spectrum auction process ensuring consumer interests, the communique stated.

It concluded that the addition of the spectrum would help Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to provide better data and voice services in the two regions currently being focused on the promotion of tourism.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/1021903-telecomFarooqcopy-1451929078/1021903-telecomFarooqcopy-1451929078.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Historic K2 team make it back safely to base camp in G-B</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280323/historic-k2-team-make-it-back-safely-to-base-camp-in-g-b</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280323/historic-k2-team-make-it-back-safely-to-base-camp-in-g-b#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 21 17:30:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2280323</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[All 10 Nepali climbers are in good health and relaxing, says G-B govt spokesperson Faizullah Firaq]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The triumphant team of Nepali climbers who made history when they became the first to summit Pakistan&#39;s K2 in winter arrived safely back at base camp on Sunday, officials said.

The 10 climbers reached the top of the world&rsquo;s second-highest mountain on Saturday, the last peak above 8,000 metres (26,000 feet) to be conquered in wintertime.

&quot;All the 10 Nepali climbers arrived in the base camp this afternoon. They are in good health and relaxing,&quot; Faizullah Firaq, a spokesperson for the Gilgit Baltistan government, told AFP.

One of the successful climbers, Nirmal Purja, who is also known as Nimsdai, posted on social media: &quot;The full team are now back... All safe and sound... It has been an overwhelming journey.&quot;



PHOTO: FACEBOOK/@NimsPurja

Thaneshwor Guragain from Seven Summit Treks, a leading mountaineering company behind one of the expeditions, said more climbers are still hoping to reach the top.

Unlike Mount Everest, which has been topped by thousands of climbers young and old, K2 is a much lonelier place. But this winter, dozens of adventurers converged on the mountain hoping to take the record.

K2 is known as the &quot;Savage Mountain&quot; because of its punishing conditions: winds can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour (125 miles per hour), and temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 76 Fahrenheit).

Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan felicitates Nepalese climbers on first winter K2 ascent

The descent can be just as dangerous as going up.

Saturday&#39;s successful summit was overshadowed by the death of a Spanish climber from another team, Sergi Mingote, lower down the perilous peak.

His body was evacuated from base camp on Sunday to nearby Skardu city by an army helicopter, the Alpine Club of Pakistan&#39;s Karrar Haidri told AFP.

Mingote was at an intermediate camp and fell on his way down to the base camp, injuring his leg, according to his team.

Purja said his team were &quot;deeply saddened to hear that we have lost a friend&quot; and added, &quot;Rest in peace my brother!&quot;

The 10 Nepali climbers had been spread across different expeditions at the start, but formed a new group in order to claim the summit in Nepal&#39;s name, singing the national anthem as they reached the top.

Despite being famed for their climbing expertise, there has never before been a Nepali climber on the first winter ascent of a peak higher than 8,000 metres.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Nepali-team-K21610903927-0/Nepali-team-K21610903927-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Bulgarian climber dies during expedition on Pakistan's K2</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282795/bulgarian-climber-dies-during-expedition-on-pakistans-k2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282795/bulgarian-climber-dies-during-expedition-on-pakistans-k2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 21 14:30:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2282795</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Atanas Skatov’s body flown by a Pakistani military helicopter to the nearby city of Skardu]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A Bulgarian mountaineer fell to his death during an expedition on Pakistan&#39;s K2, his team said Friday, the second person to die on the world&#39;s second highest mountain in weeks.

Seven Summit Treks &mdash; a trekking company leading the expedition &mdash; said Atanas Skatov, 42, fell as he was changing ropes during his descent to basecamp.

&quot;[It] seems some errors occurred and he fell down. We had fixed the mountain with new ropes&quot; which were not broken, Seven Summit Treks said in a statement.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan also confirmed the incident, saying his body was later recovered and flown by a Pakistani military helicopter to the nearby city of Skardu.

&quot;We pay homage to the strength and spirit of our climber -- his feat and his relentless will to (reach) the top will never be forgotten!&quot; the Bulgarian foreign ministry said in a statement.




The Bulgarian Atanas Skatov died after suffering a significant fall when he descended to Camp 3 K2, after a night with very bad weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/tnqFkf066C
&mdash; Moises Lopez (@chapoisat) February 5, 2021



&nbsp;

Skatov is the second climber to die on K2&#39;s slopes this season after a Spanish mountaineer fell to his death last month.

A third climber &mdash; Russian-American Alex Goldfarb &mdash; also died on a nearby mountain during an acclimatising mission ahead of a bid to scale Broad Peak in January.

Skatov&#39;s death comes just weeks after a team of Nepali climbers made history on K2 when they became the first to scale it in winter.

K2 is known as the &quot;Savage Mountain&quot; because of its punishing conditions: winds can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour (125 miles per hour), and temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 76 Fahrenheit).

With Pakistan&#39;s borders open and with few other places to go, this winter an unprecedented four teams totalling around 60 climbers have converged on the mountain, more than all previous expeditions put together.

Unlike Mount Everest, which has been topped by thousands of climbers young and old, K2 is much less travelled.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/K21612534888-0/K21612534888-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Body of missing Russian-American climber found near K2</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280557/body-of-missing-russian-american-climber-found-near-k2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280557/body-of-missing-russian-american-climber-found-near-k2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 21 09:20:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2280557</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Photographs of the climber's body were sent to his family for positive verification]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The body of American-Russian climber,&nbsp;Alex Goldfarb, has been found in the Gilgit-Baltistan region after a day&#39;s search as rescue attempts were hampered by poor weather.&nbsp;

Goldfarb was attempting to climb Broad Peak, located around 8km away from K2. Authorities have also confirmed that the body of the climber has been recovered.&nbsp;

According to a local tourist company,&nbsp;Goldfarb had reached the summit of Pastore peak, at an altitude of more than 6,000 metres with his fellow climber Zoltan Slanko.&nbsp;

Read:&nbsp;Nepalese climbers create history by reaching K2&#39;s summit in winter

Slanko then decided to return due to poor weather, however,&nbsp;Goldfarb continued with his journey. His last radio message was also received from around that location. No further radio contact was established with the climber.

Photographs of the climber&#39;s body were sent to his family for positive verification.

A total of 58 climbers from 18 countries, including five women, took part in the campaign to conquer K2 during the current winter season. So far, three climbers have been injured and are out of the expedition. While another climber, Sergio Mengot, fell during the expedition and later&nbsp;succumbed to his injuries.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2131787-alex-1611034204-362-640x4801611047821-0/2131787-alex-1611034204-362-640x4801611047821-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PML-N issues white paper on ‘rigging’ in G-B polls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2279990/pml-n-issues-white-paper-on-rigging-in-g-b-polls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2279990/pml-n-issues-white-paper-on-rigging-in-g-b-polls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 21 18:48:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2279990</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says matter will now be decided by the PDM]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday issued a white paper on the alleged rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Legislative Assembly polls and warned the incumbent regime of &ldquo;dire consequences&rdquo; if &ldquo;such practice&rdquo; was adopted in the Azad Kashmir polls.

&ldquo;A &lsquo;selected&rsquo; government has been imposed through undemocratic means in Gilgit-Baltistan,&rdquo; PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said while addressing a news conference in the federal capital.

He was flanked by other party leaders including Khurram Dastgir, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman and Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Ahsan said he had repeatedly warned that G-B strategically and politically was a &ldquo;sensitive&rdquo; region and that it was absolutely crucial to hold &ldquo;free and fair elections&rdquo; according to the wishes of the people there.

He alleged that every code of conduct marked by the election commission was violated during the G-B polls as the premier and the ministers visited the region, which he said was against the law.

&ldquo;Yet, the PTI could not even get simple majority and had to &lsquo;beg&rsquo; the independents to join them to make the government. The long-term results of this could be devastating for the country,&rdquo; he said.

The PML-N leader warned the ruling party of resorting to &ldquo;unfair means&rdquo; during the elections in Azad Kashmir and maintained that the PML-N would guard the sanctity of the vote like &ldquo;lions&rdquo; at all the polling stations and will not let the mandate of the people get &ldquo;robbed again&rdquo;.

G-B former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman said that they were handing over the white paper to the PDM, which would now fight their case.

The PTI had emerged victorious on 10 seats in the G-B elections which were held in November last year. Seven seats were won by independent candidates while the JUI and MWM secured one seat each.

The PPP and PML-N &mdash; both of which had levelled allegations of rigging &mdash; held five and three seats, respectively.

PTI formed government in the region after the independent candidates joined the ruling party and seat adjustment with the MWM.

Khalid Khurshid Khan of the PTI was elected as chief minister of the G-B while PPP&rsquo;s Amjad Hussain as leader of the opposition.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/vote-count-GB-NNI1605452733-0/vote-count-GB-NNI1605452733-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Federal govt mulls over uplift package for G-B</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2279852/federal-govt-mulls-over-uplift-package-for-g-b</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2279852/federal-govt-mulls-over-uplift-package-for-g-b#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 21 18:59:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Irshad Ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2279852</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[More than a dozen sectors of region will be included in development scheme]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal government along with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration mulled over announcing a comprehensive development package for more than a dozen sectors of the region, including power, infrastructure, tourism, trade, e-commerce, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, Information Technology, telecommunication and health.

According to sources, other sectors of G-B, including management of hospital, minerals, small industries, development of private sector, women and youth, eradication of poverty, social welfare and education were also part of the package.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and attended by G-B Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed, according to the source.

Under the Planning Commission deputy chairman, an inter-ministerial committee was constituted to prepare the development plan while an apex committee led by G-B chief minister was formed for execution and supervision of the projects.

During the course of meeting, Umar noted the uplift of underdeveloped areas of the region was neglected for long, while it was one of the top priorities of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf government.

He vowed the federal government along with the administration of the region would devise a joint strategy for people of G-B and directed the departments concerned to work on probable projects under a public-private partnership.

On the occasion, the G-B chief minister lauded the initiative taken by the federal government for people of the region and hoped that projects under the uplift package would commence and complete in due time.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/GB1597735345-0/GB1597735345-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item>	</channel>
                </rss>
