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                        <title>Get The Latest News Updates Of Gilgit Baltistan - The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>G-B flash floods, landslides leave a trail of destruction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620376/g-b-flash-floods-landslides-leave-a-trail-of-destruction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620376/g-b-flash-floods-landslides-leave-a-trail-of-destruction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 01:09:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[SHABBIR MIR]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620376</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Authority's report compilied data from 60 disaster events recorded across G-B]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A relentless spell of flash floods, mudflows and landslides has left a trail of destruction across Gilgit-Baltistan, damaging 184 houses, sweeping away nine bridges and washing out 7.86 kilometres of roads, according to a disaster impact summary released by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) on Saturday.

The authority&#39;s report, compiling data from 60 disaster events recorded across G-B, paints a picture of a region under sustained pressure from extreme weather - with towns, dehs, and villages battered by river erosion and cloud bursts alongside the floods and landslides, and 68 head of livestock lost in the process.

Astore district recorded the highest number of house damages, with 83 homes partially damaged due to flash floods and land sliding in District Astore&#39;s Lous and Doyan Khichik areas, though none were reported as fully destroyed. District Diamer followed with 42 houses damaged - 26 partially and 16 fully - after flash floods and mudflows hit Thore, Buner Dass, Khanbary, Shahi Mahal, and Darel.

Ghizer district reported 24 damaged houses amid river erosion, flash floods, and cloud bursts in Molabad Taalidas and Dass Japukay, alongside the loss of one bridge. Skardu recorded 15 fully damaged houses following flash floods and rising water levels in Tormik and Ganji Bala Nallah, with four bridges destroyed - the highest bridge toll among all districts.

In Gilgit district, flash floods damaged eight houses across Haramosh, Naltar, Bagrote, Chamugarh, Juglote, Jutal, and Sakarkoi, and also resulted in the loss of 50 livestock, the highest livestock toll recorded in the report.

Ghanche district saw 12 houses damaged due to river erosion and flash floods in Gursey, Marcha, Yugo, Guwari, and Kuro, with three bridges destroyed. Hunza and Nagar districts, meanwhile, reported no house damages despite flash floods, land sliding, and reverine erosion, though road infrastructure in both districts sustained damage.

Overall, the report recorded 135 partially damaged and 49 fully damaged houses across the region, with road infrastructure losses reaching 7.86 kilometres and nine bridges destroyed in total.

As for relief operations, the report said that in district Diamer, relief items - including 40 tents, 40 kitchen sets, 40 plastic mats, and 40 mattress pads - were dispatched to flood-affected residents of Frori in Tangir. In Skardu, JSR near Ansar Camp has been cleared, though the road remains blocked at Haramosh RD-26. Since July 21, 2026, a total of 365 food packs and 126 tents have been dispatched to the Assistant Commissioner Roundu for affected residents, with an additional 200 food packs and 100 tents sent on Friday for flood victims in Tormik and Stak valleys.

All roads were reported open in Ghizer, Hunza, Shiger, and Kharmang, with departments and machinery placed on high alert across the region.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has intensified emergency clearance and restorate work on major highway networks across the region.

According to the NHA spokesperson, clearance and debris removal operations have commenced at the bridge located on the Gilgit side of the Jaglot-Skardu Road.

Heavy machinery dispatched from Shutot is currently clearing landslides between KM 16 (Ansar Camp) and KM 25 (Hanochal). Immediately after clearing the route at KM 25, restoration work will be initiated on the Skardu side (Abutment 2).]]>
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			<title>Monsoon fury isolates Baltistan region</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620146/monsoon-fury-isolates-baltistan-region</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620146/monsoon-fury-isolates-baltistan-region#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 26 21:15:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[SHABBIR MIR]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620146</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Floodwaters and landslides have cut off four districts of Baltistan Division]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Monsoon rains and flash floods continued to batter Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on Friday, severing road links to entire districts, destroying homes, bridges and farmland, stranding hundreds of tourists and triggering shortages of food and fuel, as the region&#39;s government ordered emergency relief measures.

Floodwaters and landslides have cut off four districts of Baltistan Division and Astore from the rest of the region, while the Baltistan Highway has remained closed for a third consecutive day after an RCC bridge was washed away. Rising water levels in the Indus and Shyok rivers have further heightened fears. A section of the Deosai Road was also washed away after the Sadpara stream overflowed, while the alternative route linking Baltistan with the Karakoram Highway was closed to traffic.

According to the latest road situation, the Jaglot-Skardu Road remained blocked at the JSR section, while the Gilgit-Astore Road was closed due to flood damage, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded in Astore and Skardu.

However, the Karakoram Highway (N-35) from Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass, the Babusar Road (N-15), the Gilgit-Shandur Road and the Astore-Skardu Road via Deosai remained open as of Friday evening. Authorities advised travellers to obtain the latest weather and road updates before setting out.

The prolonged road closures have disrupted supplies to several districts, with shortages of food items and petroleum products reported in Skardu, Diamer and Astore. Astore has remained without electricity for five days, while internet services have also been disrupted. Residents and stranded tourists are facing mounting difficulties as essential supplies continue to dwindle.

Floods have caused extensive destruction across Diamer district, where link roads and bridges were washed away in Tangir, Darel, Thor, Raikot and Goharabad. Floodwater entered residential areas, destroying agricultural land, standing crops and orchards.

In Thor Das Soniwal village, around 20 families were severely affected after the Indus River inundated their homes, sweeping away valuable belongings before the residents were shifted to safer locations.]]>
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			<title>Skardu-Kashgar direct flights proposed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620141/skardu-kashgar-direct-flights-proposed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620141/skardu-kashgar-direct-flights-proposed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 26 21:15:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620141</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Azar invited Chinese companies to invest in G-B]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[G-B Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Azar on Friday proposed launching direct flights between Skardu and Kashgar and sought an on-arrival visa facility for Chinese tourists visiting G-B during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.

The chief minister said direct flights between Skardu and Kashgar would promote tourism, strengthen people-to-people contacts and open new avenues for economic cooperation between G-B and China&#39;s Xinjiang region.

Azar invited Chinese companies to invest in G-B, highlighting opportunities in mining, hydropower, renewable energy, tourism and infrastructure, and proposed introducing an on-arrival visa facility for Chinese tourists visiting Hunza, subject to approval by the federal government. He assured that his government would provide all possible facilitation to investors and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the security and uninterrupted operation of the Karakoram Highway.

Ambassador Jiang congratulated Azar on assuming office and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.

&quot;There is tremendous potential to further enhance cooperation between G-B and Xinjiang, particularly in the fields of minerals, energy, tourism, trade and cross-border connectivity,&quot; the ambassador said. He also stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination on border management and other issues of mutual interest, adding that the proposals presented by the G-B government would be conveyed to the relevant Chinese authorities for consideration.]]>
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			<title>G-B demands interim province status</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618683/g-b-demands-interim-province-status</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618683/g-b-demands-interim-province-status#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 26 22:59:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2618683</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Proposed interim status would remain subject to any future plebiscite or political settlement of the AJK issue]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution recommending that the region be granted interim provincial status through constitutional amendments and necessary legislation, while also seeking representation in Pakistan&rsquo;s National Assembly, Senate and other federal constitutional institutions.

The jointly adopted resolution calls on the federal government to declare G-B an interim province by introducing the required constitutional and legal changes.
It states that granting interim provincial status would not affect Pakistan&rsquo;s principled and legal stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute or alter its obligations under the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

According to the resolution, the proposed interim status would remain subject to any future plebiscite or political settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

The resolution also maintains that the people of G-B be granted constitutional, political and democratic rights comparable to those enjoyed by citizens of Pakistan&rsquo;s other provinces. It proposes representation for the region in the National Assembly, Senate and other federal constitutional bodies.

The assembly further called on the federal government to immediately initiate the necessary constitutional, legal and administrative measures to implement the resolution in consultation with all relevant stakeholders in G-B.

The resolution emphasizes the need to include G-B in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to ensure the region receives a fair share of national resources, enabling its residents to enjoy equal access to rights and development opportunities available to the country&rsquo;s other provinces.

The resolution bears the signatures of Leader of the House Amjad Hussain, Leader of the Opposition Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Deputy Speaker Malik Khalilur Rehman, as well as members from both the treasury and opposition benches.]]>
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			<title>New govt presents G-B's interim budget</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618081/new-govt-presents-g-bs-interim-budget</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618081/new-govt-presents-g-bs-interim-budget#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 26 22:27:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2618081</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Major portion depends on federal support, region's own non-tax revenue is estimated at Rs6.08b]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muhammad Ali Akhtar on Monday presented a three-month interim budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, saying the government opted for an interim budget instead of a full-year financial plan.

Presenting the budget, Akhtar said the interim arrangement aims to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of government departments, continuation of public services and timely payment of salaries and allowances to government employees. He said negotiations are ongoing with the federal government over resource allocation and wheat subsidy.

According to the budget documents, the total estimated resources available for G-B during FY2026-27 stand at Rs158.54 billion, an increase of around Rs12.23 billion compared to the previous fiscal year.

A major portion of the budget depends on federal support, including a non-development grant of Rs88 billion, while the region&#39;s own non-tax revenue is estimated at about Rs6.08 billion.

The adviser said approval had been sought for Rs20.478 billion to meet expenditure during the first quarter of the fiscal year, while Rs15.225 billion had been earmarked for paying salaries and allowances to government employees.

He said Rs15 billion had been allocated for wheat subsidy to ensure the continued supply of subsidized wheat to the people, while wheat sales were expected to generate Rs3 billion in revenue. Efforts are also underway to secure additional financial support from the federal government for the subsidy.

Akhtar said the interim budget proposed an additional allocation of Rs300 million for the Health Endowment Fund to facilitate treatment of deserving patients. It also earmarked Rs25 million for tuberculosis eradication during the first quarter and Rs100 million for purchasing new ambulances.

He said Rs138 million had been allocated for the G-B Waste Management Company and Rs202 million for local government institutions to improve sanitation and municipal services across the region.

The adviser said Rs100 million had been proposed as the government&#39;s contribution under the new pension policy, Rs200 million for group insurance and Rs250 million as seed money for the General Provident Fund.]]>
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			<title>Explainer: Floods, closures, cancelled trips? What's really happening on the road to Gilgit-Baltistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615768/explainer-floods-closures-cancelled-trips-whats-really-happening-on-the-road-to-gilgit-baltistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615768/explainer-floods-closures-cancelled-trips-whats-really-happening-on-the-road-to-gilgit-baltistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 26 15:00:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Fact Check By iVerify]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2615768</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt official says it is the 'ideal time' to visit G-B with no rain or bad weather forecast from July 3 to 13]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Every year, as June and July roll in, railway stations, bus stands and airports see a huge influx of passengers across Pakistan &mdash; a majority of them heading up north to escape the scorching heat down south. But this year, many tourists are sceptical: to go or not to go?

The reason behind the confusion? Social media. Since early June, dozens of videos showing dangerous floods, cloudbursts, rains and landslides have been circulating online. Don&rsquo;t go to Gilgit-Baltistan, or so the posts say. Some even urged people to cancel their trips.



On the other hand, social media accounts promoting tourism have been sharing entirely different content, inviting people to visit the lush green meadows and snowcapped peaks of G-B.

So which side of the internet should you trust? Here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s actually going on, and what to check before you leave.

What tourists saw

iVerify Pakistan reached out to people who recently visited the northern areas.

&ldquo;I heard reports of landslides before setting out and was prepared for the worst &hellip; but by the time we reached the Babusar Top, the roads had already been cleared,&rdquo; said Simran Abeer, who recently returned from a north trip.

Earlier, on June 17, heavy rains triggered landslides and mudflows that temporarily blocked sections of the Karakoram Highway in Diamer and the Baltistan Road in Skardu. Authorities cleared the roads and advised travellers to verify conditions before departing.

The 24-year-old recalled that she did not experience active snowfall during her trip. &ldquo;But I did see snow at the top melting and muddy patches along the road,&rdquo; she told the team over the phone.

Yusra Aiman, 30, who also visited G-B in mid-June, said leaving early in the morning made all the difference for her. &ldquo;Even the drive along the Karakoram Highway was smooth throughout,&rdquo; she pointed out.

Both Simran and Yusra noted that it was not the weather but the protests that stopped them. They recounted delays in Chilas due to road blockades. &ldquo;We were stuck on the road for around 38 hours on June 20 and 21,&rdquo; said Simran, a disruption with nothing to do with the viral weather warnings circulating online.

What&rsquo;s actually happening on the ground

Safi Ullah, deputy director of tourism for G-B, said the picture on social media rarely captures the full reality.

He explained that there are two main routes to Babusar Top: one via the Karakoram Highway through G-B, the other through Naran-Kaghan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. With the monsoon season now underway, heavy rainfall can trigger flooding, particularly in Diamer district, which experiences warmer temperatures than much of the region.

&ldquo;If rainfall exceeds normal levels, there are chances of flooding in Diamer, which can temporarily block roads for one or two days,&rdquo; he said.

But at the same time, Safi Ullah added that this was not a daily occurrence. &ldquo;Travellers should simply check official advisories before starting their journey,&rdquo; the deputy director advised.

Raza Haider, director north for WWF-Pakistan, offered a similar context on the environmental mechanics. He said such incidents are common in the mountainous region and tend to become more frequent during the monsoon season.

&ldquo;Landslides are a usual phenomenon in G-B. During the monsoon, their frequency increases due to heavy rainfall. The Karakoram Highway is generally open and is only temporarily blocked when landslides occur,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Temperature changes also cause rocks to expand and contract over time, making them unstable. As a result, rocks can loosen and slide onto roads, particularly in mountainous areas,&rdquo; he explained.

Commenting on the recent cloudburst in Diamer&rsquo;s Thore Valley &mdash; which was widely shared on social media &mdash; Haider clarified that the incident was confined to the valley and did not affect major roads or arteries across G-B.

https://x.com/uthmanrumi2025/status/2070874502247158195

Both experts pointed to the same fix for travel anxiety: check official advisories before setting out. Travellers can also contact the Tourist Police helpline for live updates on road and weather conditions.

&lsquo;Ideal time&rsquo;

Last week, in advisories issued for June 27 to July 3, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of rainfall combined with rapid glacier melt across G-B and K-P, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, debris flow and rising river levels.

Safi Ullah elaborated that the GLOF alerts were directed at remote interior valleys and were not likely to affect the Karakoram Highway itself. In case of rainfall, even if moderate, landslides could still occur on the highway &mdash; but he noted that authorities respond promptly, and roads are usually cleared within 24 to 48 hours.

The deputy director said now was &ldquo;the ideal time to visit GB&rdquo;, with no rain or weather alerts forecast in the 10 days after July 3. However, it must be noted that rain forecasts can never be entirely accurate.

To go or not to go

The reality of G-B in summer is this: localised weather events, landslides, and a cloudburst in Thore Valley-Diamer can temporarily block sections of the Karakoram Highway without shutting down the entire route.

Anyone planning a trip north should check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before leaving. Follow updates from the PMD, NDMA, and G-B authorities. Avoid travelling during periods of heavy rainfall or when active advisories are in effect.

---------

This article was published by iVerify Pakistan under its initiative tackling myths and disinformation around climate, supported by Irada and IMS

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			<title>Bilawal names PPP’s G-B president for chief minister post</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614361/bilawal-names-ppps-g-b-president-for-chief-minister-post</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614361/bilawal-names-ppps-g-b-president-for-chief-minister-post#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 26 05:56:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2614361</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP chairman directs focus on government formation and implementation of citizens’ constitutional and economic rights]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari nominated PPP provincial president Advocate Amjad as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a post shared by the party on X.

The PPP said Bilawal held a telephonic conversation with PPP Gilgit-Baltistan President Amjad during which the decision was conveyed.



چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے صوبائی صدر امجد ایڈووکیٹ کو گلگت بلتستان کا وزیراعلی بنانے کا فیصلہ کرلیا

پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری کا پی پی پی گلگت بلتستان کے صدر امجد ایڈووکیٹ سے ٹیلی فونک رابطہ

چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے امجد&hellip;
&mdash; PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 20, 2026


According to the post, the PPP chairman also issued instructions regarding government formation and the implementation of citizens&rsquo; constitutional and economic rights.

PPP announced on Saturday that it and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had come to an agreement on forming the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan together. The party said it would get the seat of chief minister while the governor, opposition leader and deputy speaker of the G-B Assembly would go to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

The PPP has secured the majority of seats emerge as the largest party in the 24-member assembly, followed by the PML-N with six seats.

Read: PPP, PML-N come to agreement on forming G-B govt together

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has emerged as the third-largest parliamentary group after four independent candidates elected on different constituencies joined its ranks.

At the national level, the post-election situation had prompted political coordination between parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had congratulated the PPP on its position as the leading party in G-B and indicated that the PML-N would sit in the opposition, while supporting the PPP in forming the government.

Bilawal had welcomed the development, describing it as a continuation of democratic norms and expressing gratitude for the cooperation. He said his party would focus on addressing governance challenges and public concerns in the region.]]>
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			<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.





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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.]]>
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			<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]]>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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]]>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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]]>
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				<![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.





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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.





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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;





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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;





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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.





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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.]]>
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			<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;]]>
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			<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>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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.]]>
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			<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>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[All 10 Nepali climbers are in good health and relaxing, says G-B govt spokesperson Faizullah Firaq]]>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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]]>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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]]>
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				<![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.]]>
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			<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>
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				<![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.]]>
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