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Pakistan News

Bilawal Bhutto congratulates party workers as PPP leads in GB polls

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Bilawal Bhutto

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday congratulated party workers following the party’s strong showing in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, according to a statement.

Bilawal Bhutto said the PPP is emerging as the largest political party in the region and expressed confidence that the party would attempt to form a government.

PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman also congratulated Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, praising the party’s performance. She said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had voted for the agenda of development, democracy, and public service.

Separately, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to release all remaining election results without delay.

PM Shehbaz congratulates PPP on emerging as leading party in GB elections

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD -Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for emerging as the leading political party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, according to a statement.

The prime minister also extended congratulations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying voters had actively participated in the democratic process.

“Shehbaz Sharif said the PPP has emerged as the majority party in Gilgit-Baltistan and deserves congratulations,” the statement said, adding that he also congratulated PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He further congratulated successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), noting that the party’s candidates “put up a strong contest” and praised the party’s campaign efforts.

The prime minister said the active participation of voters reflected the strength of democracy, adding that peaceful political activity was a positive sign for the region.

He also lauded the Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting “transparent and impartial” elections, and praised law enforcement agencies for maintaining order during the polling process.

Unofficial and partial results from the election continue to be announced, with the PPP currently leading with nine seats, according to available tallies.

PPP leads GB assembly polls as unofficial results continue to roll in

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PPP leads GB

GILGIT: Unofficial and preliminary results from the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections continued to pour in on Monday, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerging as the leading political force, securing the highest number of seats so far.

Voter turnout remained strong on election day, with long queues reported outside polling stations across the region. Polling began in the morning and continued uninterrupted until 5 p.m.

According to partial results from 19 of 24 constituencies, the PPP has won nine seats, independent candidates six, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) three, and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) one.

The PPP secured victories in constituencies GBA-1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 19. The PML-N won seats in GBA-18, 20 and 22, while MWM claimed GBA-8. Independent candidates were successful in GBA-3, 6, 16, 21, 23 and 24.

In detailed constituency-wise results, PPP’s Amjad Hussain won GBA-1 Gilgit-I with 10,594 votes, defeating PML-N’s Muhammad Shafiq-ud-Din, who secured 6,312 votes.

In GBA-2 Gilgit-II, PML-N’s Hafiz-ur-Rehman led with 4,129 votes from partial results, while PPP’s Jameel Ahmad followed with 2,695 votes.

Independent candidate Syed Sohail Abbas won GBA-3 Gilgit-III with 7,877 votes, ahead of PPP’s Aftab Haider Advocate.

PPP’s Muhammad Ali Akhtar won GBA-4 Nagar-I, while in GBA-5 Nagar-II, PPP’s Zulfiqar Ali Murad secured victory.

In GBA-6 Hunza, independent candidate Nek Nam Karim emerged victorious, while PPP’s Imtiaz-ul-Haq stood second.

PPP also won in GBA-7 Skardu-I, GBA-9 Skardu-III, GBA-10 Skardu-IV, GBA-11 Kharmang, GBA-12 Shigar and GBA-19 Ghizer-I, according to the unofficial results.

MWM’s Muhammad Kazim won GBA-8 Skardu-II, while PML-N secured wins in GBA-18 Diamer-IV, GBA-20 Ghizer-II and GBA-22 Ghanche-I.

Counting remained underway in several constituencies, with final official results yet to be announced.

Lahore, Faisalabad could rank among world’s hottest cities by 2050

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Lahore

LAHORE: A recent study has identified Pakistan among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of El Niño-driven climate change, warning that Lahore and Faisalabad could rank among the world’s hottest cities by 2050.

The research suggests that rising temperatures linked to El Niño could significantly increase heat-related deaths in the two major cities over the coming decades.

The warning comes as Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has also raised concerns about the growing risk of heatwaves. Lahore Chief Meteorologist Dr. Zaheer Babar said temperatures are rising under the influence of El Niño, while rapid urbanization is worsening the problem.

According to Babar, high-rise buildings, vehicle emissions, shrinking green spaces and the expansion of housing societies in urban centers such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan are contributing to the formation of intense heatwaves.

Environmental expert Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed cited research indicating that while global temperatures have increased by around 1.5%, the rise has been significantly higher in some Pakistani cities, reaching 4.5% in Karachi and 4.1% in Lahore.

Meanwhile, officials at the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Lahore said tree-planting initiatives are underway to help mitigate rising temperatures. The authority noted that housing societies are required to dedicate at least 7% of their area to tree plantation before receiving a no-objection certificate.

Climate experts have urged authorities to adopt immediate and effective measures to address the growing threat of extreme heat, warning that failure to act could place future generations at greater risk from increasingly severe heatwaves.

ECP announces schedule for AJK general elections on July 27

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ECP announces

MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission has announced the schedule for general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), issuing a formal notification confirming that polling will be held on July 27, 2026.

According to the notification, voting for all constituencies of the AJK Legislative Assembly will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The election timetable outlines that candidates will submit nomination papers between June 9 and June 19, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on June 20, followed by the publication of a preliminary list of approved candidates on the same day.

Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nominations may be filed with the Election Commission from June 21 to June 24, with hearings scheduled for June 26 and 27. Final decisions on appeals will be announced between June 28 and June 29.

Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nomination papers until June 30. The final list of contesting candidates will be published on July 1, while electoral symbols will be allotted on July 2, along with the final list of candidates.

The Election Commission said the notification is immediately enforceable and all arrangements for the elections will be completed according to the announced schedule.

Separately, the AJK Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolution maintaining 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, describing their representation as a historical and constitutional reality.

The resolution emphasized the need for electoral reforms through the assembly, consultation with political parties, bar associations, civil society, and constitutional experts, and stated that such reforms fall under the mandate of elected representatives.

Bilawal Bhutto vows electoral safeguards, constitutional rights for GB

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Bilawal Bhutto

GILGIT: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party will ensure protection of votes and push for constitutional and political rights for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), speaking at an election rally in the region.

Addressing supporters as part of the party’s election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto expressed gratitude to GB voters for supporting the PPP in the previous elections, saying he had personally visited all areas of the region and presented the party’s manifesto.

He alleged that results from the last election were manipulated and claimed that seats were “taken away” despite what he said were favorable Form 45 results. He urged supporters to safeguard ballots in the upcoming polls.

The PPP chairman said the region has been facing political injustice and vowed that such situations would not be allowed again.

Referring to regional and global developments, he mentioned ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran, saying the Muslim world is facing serious challenges and GB voters must decide their future leadership carefully.

Bilawal Bhutto said the PPP has a long-standing relationship with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan spanning three generations and reiterated that the party aims to strengthen the region’s representation at national and international levels.

He also praised former president Asif Ali Zardari’s role in granting administrative recognition to GB and said the party seeks to further expand constitutional rights and self-governance for the region.

Highlighting economic and development plans, he said the PPP believes in inclusive growth focused on farmers, labourers and youth, adding that development is only meaningful when benefits reach lower-income groups.

He announced plans for job creation through merit-based recruitment, public-private partnerships, improved healthcare systems and digital connectivity across all districts of GB.

Bilawal Bhutto urged voters to give the PPP a strong mandate in the upcoming elections, saying it would help ensure governance reforms, economic development and protection of rights in the region.

KMC plans new entertainment tax on hotels, marriage halls and hospitality sector

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KMC plans

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is preparing to introduce a new “entertainment tax” targeting hotels, guest houses, lodges, marriage halls, marquees, marriage lawns, Airbnbs and banquet facilities, officials said.

Under the proposed plan, a 1% tax will be levied on bills generated by these establishments. The initiative is expected to be included in the KMC’s upcoming budget for the next fiscal year.

According to officials, the proposal is aimed at strengthening the financial position of the city’s tourism and municipal services sector and improving service delivery.

KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jafar has invited public feedback on the proposed tax, with a hearing on objections scheduled for June 10 at the KMC office.

He said the new tax item titled “Entertainment Tax – City Tourism and Hospitality” along with its bylaws is being incorporated under the existing tax framework.

The commissioner noted that under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, KMC is empowered to impose taxes, fees and tolls.

Meanwhile, sources said opposition members in the City Council  including Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI and others  have begun consultations on the proposal and are expected to present their stance soon.

However, officials suggest that even if the opposition rejects the plan, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), holding a majority in the council, may push the legislation through, paving the way for its implementation in the next fiscal year.

Govt announces fixed tax scheme for small shopkeepers

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Govt announces

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced a fixed tax scheme for small shopkeepers aimed at simplifying the tax system and improving compliance, officials said on Friday.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, speaking at a press conference, said the initiative has been introduced in consultation with small traders and on their demand, adding that taxpayers seek greater ease in tax procedures.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said the scheme will apply to shopkeepers with annual sales of Rs 20 crore or less.

He said participating traders will submit sales details through a one-page form. A minimum payment of Rs 25,000 in cash will be required, while an additional 1% tax will be applied based on turnover. The scheme includes a fixed 1% tax component, and any previously deducted withholding tax will be adjustable.

Kayani said the initiative has been developed in consultation with trader associations and will be open to all shopkeepers willing to participate by submitting the prescribed form.

He added that businesses enrolled in the scheme will be issued a plate by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), displaying the shop’s name, owner details and other information.

The scheme will be available to both filers and non-filers, he said.

According to Kayani, eligibility requires that participants’ tax payment should not be less than the previous year’s level. Shopkeepers joining the scheme will also be exempt from the point-of-sale (POS) system requirement.

17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations across Balochistan

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17 terrorists

ISLAMABAD: Security forces conducted intelligence-based operations in multiple areas of Balochistan, killing 17 terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

According to ISPR, the operations were launched in Mastung, Noshki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech districts following the May 24 train incident. The statement said the action significantly disrupted terrorist networks operating in the region.

ISPR added that weapons, a large quantity of explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the militants who were killed. The terrorists were reportedly involved in multiple attacks in the area.

Clearing operations are still underway in the affected regions, the military’s media wing said, adding that the countrywide counterterrorism campaign will continue with full intensity to eliminate externally supported terrorism from Pakistan.

Federal budget delay linked to political deadlock over key legislation

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Federal budget

ISLAMABAD: The delay in the federal budget has been caused by a political deadlock over key legislation, parliamentary sources said on Tuesday.

According to sources, the government wants to pass important legislation before the budget session, as the proposed laws are expected to have significant implications for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is opposing the proposed amendments.

Sources said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has conveyed a clear stance during his address in Shigar Valley, adding that the party is resisting the proposed legislative changes. If the amendments are not approved before the budget session, changes in the next financial year may not be possible.

Parliamentary sources further revealed that efforts are underway to convince the PPP, with key political figures assigned the task of negotiations.

They added that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently busy with election campaigning in Gilgit-Baltistan, and a new date for the budget session is likely to be announced only after securing his agreement.

Meanwhile, The federal government will not present the budget on June 5, according to official sources.

Sources said the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 3 has been postponed, and a formal notification has also been issued.

Officials added that a new date for the federal budget presentation has not yet been finalized. However, it is likely to be presented on either June 8 or June 12.

Meanwhile, sources in the National Assembly said June 10 is also being considered as a possible date for the budget presentation.

According to the notification, a new date for the NEC meeting will be announced later.