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Pakistan News

PPP’s Amjad Hussain elected unopposed as new Chief Minister of GB

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PPP’s Amjad Hussain

GILGIT: Pakistan Peoples Party leader Advocate Amjad Hussain has been elected unopposed as the new Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, officials said on Monday, following a unanimous show of support in the regional assembly.

The announcement was made during a session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly chaired by Speaker Imran Nadeem, where officials confirmed that no other candidate submitted nomination papers for the top post.

Lawmakers said all members present in the house backed Amjad Hussain, making him the region’s fifth chief minister.

Amjad Hussain, who recently won a seat from GBLA-1 Gilgit, currently serves as president of the PPP’s Gilgit-Baltistan chapter. He has previously been a member of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council from 2010 to 2015 and has also won elections from multiple constituencies in 2020.

The formation of the new government comes after a political understanding between the Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, under which key assembly positions were also filled unopposed.

Earlier, PPP’s Imran Nadeem was elected unopposed as Speaker of the assembly, while PML-N’s Kifayat-ur-Rehman was chosen unopposed as Deputy Speaker.

Officials said the date for the chief minister’s oath-taking ceremony will be announced later. Opposition leader Hafeez-ur-Rehman of PML-N was also formally notified in the assembly session.

ATC awards life sentences to Mah Rang Baloch and Sibghatullah

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ATC awards

QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court has sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Mah Rang Baloch and fellow activist Sibghatullah to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of a security official in Gwadar.

The court handed down the sentences in the case related to the death of Shabbir Baloch, a security officer who was killed while on duty. The proceedings for Mah Rang Baloch and Sibghatullah were conducted online from District Jail Quetta.

Following the verdict, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti described the ruling as a reflection of the rule of law after what he said was a two-year legal struggle to secure justice in the case.

In a statement posted on social media, Bugti said Shabbir Baloch had sacrificed his life in the line of duty and that the state would continue to honor his service.

The chief minister said the court’s decision demonstrated that there would be no leniency for those who take the law into their own hands or promote violence. He added that individuals involved in attacks on state personnel under the guise of peaceful protest would be held accountable.

Bugti said the provincial government stood with the slain officer’s family and vowed that those responsible for violence and their supporters would continue to face action. He added that operations against militants and their facilitators would continue and that efforts to restore peace and uphold the writ of the state in Balochistan would persist.

Lahore ATC sentences PTI leaders in May 9 violence case, acquits Qureshi

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Lahore ATC

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has announced its verdict in another case related to the May 9 incidents, sentencing several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to prison while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The verdict was announced by Judge Manzar Ali Gul of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the case regarding the burning of police vehicles on May 9 was heard.

The court sentenced PTI leaders Mahmood Ur Rashid, Umar Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Dr. Yasmin Rashid to 10 years in prison each.

All were found guilty in connection with the violence and arson case linked to the May 9 unrest.

Acquittal in the Case

In the same verdict, the court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was also named as an accused in the case.

The May 9 cases stem from nationwide protests and unrest following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, leading to multiple trials across different cities.

PM Shehbaz likely to Join US–Iran technical talks in Switzerland

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to travel to Zurich and may participate in upcoming US–Iran technical-level talks being held in Switzerland under a Memorandum of Understanding facilitated by Islamabad, according to diplomatic sources.

Sources said the prime minister could depart for Zurich tonight as preparations for the high-level diplomatic engagement continue.

Senior US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are already present in Switzerland, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is also expected to arrive.

On the Iranian side, a delegation led by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and members of Iran’s national security and economic leadership, has already left for the talks.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the technical-level discussions will take place on June 21 in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The talks are part of follow-up implementation efforts after the agreement signed in Islamabad, with Pakistan, the United States, Iran, and Qatar all expected to participate.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan will continue to facilitate the dialogue process as a mediator, aiming to advance the commitments made under the agreement and support regional diplomatic stability.

PPP nominates Amjad Hussain Advocate as GP Chief Minister

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PPP nominates

GILGIT: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has nominated Amjad Hussain Advocate as its candidate for Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the first time the party has chosen a representative from the Gilgit region for the top post.

Party sources confirmed that Amjad Hussain, who also serves as the provincial president of the PPP in Gilgit-Baltistan, has been selected for the chief minister slot.

He recently won the GB Assembly seat from GBA-1 Gilgit in the latest elections.

According to the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan, results from 21 out of 24 constituencies have been officially announced.

The preliminary breakdown shows the Pakistan Peoples Party securing 9 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz 6, the IPP 4, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen 1, and one seat going to an independent candidate.

Results from three constituencies—GBA-9 Skardu, GBA-17 Diamer, and GBA-15 Diamer—are yet to be officially declared.

The Election Commission further stated that out of six reserved women’s seats, PPP secured three, PML-N two, and IPP one. On technocrat seats, each of PPP, PML-N, and IPP received one seat.

PPP leader Neer Hussain Bukhari claimed the party holds a clear majority of 17 to 19 seats when reserved and technocrat seats are included, expressing confidence that PPP will form the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.

PPP, PML-N reach agreement on formation of GB government

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PPP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reached an agreement on forming a government in Gilgit-Baltistan, according to party sources.

PPP leader Naveed Qamar confirmed the development, saying that both parties had agreed on a power-sharing formula for the region’s government formation, including consensus on key constitutional posts.

He said that under the agreement, the posts of governor and deputy speaker would go to PML-N, while the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan would be from the PPP.

Sources said the understanding was reached after high-level meetings and contacts between the leadership of both parties in recent days.

According to officials, the PPP will form its government in Gilgit-Baltistan with support from PML-N votes following the agreement.

PM Shehbaz, Iranian President hold first call after peace accord

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PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation following the signing of the Islamabad Peace Agreement, marking their first contact after the accord, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The conversation lasted more than 30 minutes, during which Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated President Pezeshkian, Iran’s leadership, and its people on the historic agreement.

He said the accord would contribute not only to regional peace but also to Iran’s reconstruction and help further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran across all areas of mutual interest.

Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his respect and best wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, and praised Tehran’s decision to sign the agreement, expressing hope for success in the next phase of negotiations.

The prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan, as a brotherly and neighboring country, would continue to fully support Iran in all fields.

According to the statement, President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying both played a key role in the mediation process with skill, sincerity, and wisdom.

He said Iran deeply values Pakistan’s role in the peace initiative and will always remember its constructive support during difficult times. Pezeshkian also extended good wishes to the people of Pakistan and expressed Iran’s desire to further expand bilateral cooperation.

Both leaders agreed to maintain regular contact and to undertake reciprocal visits to each other’s capitals at a mutually convenient time.

Bilawal Bhutto calls for dialogue on AJK crisis, warns against violence

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Bilawal Bhutto

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) could see its proscribed status lifted if it surrenders unconditionally and ends its protest, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a National Assembly session, Bilawal expressed concern over the situation in AJK, saying shortages of essential goods and ongoing unrest were damaging Pakistan’s international image as well as the Kashmir cause.

He called for strict legal action against those resorting to violence, urging law enforcement agencies to intervene while warning protesters to distance themselves from extremist elements within their ranks.

Bilawal said the issue of migrant (refugee) representation seats had become highly sensitive but could still be resolved through dialogue and legislation rather than protests or threats.

He maintained that Kashmiris should decide their own future and reiterated that governance matters must remain within Pakistan’s constitutional framework.

He added that talks with the Action Committee had been “80 percent complete” and stressed that PPP was not opposed to negotiations, saying peaceful political engagement remained the only viable solution.

On voting rights for refugees, Bilawal said there was no objection in principle, but warned against using pressure tactics that could worsen the situation.

Nawaz urges dialogue, peace as PML-N reviews situation in Azad Kashmir

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Nawaz urges

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the political situation in Azad Kashmir and urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and peaceful solutions within the constitutional framework.

Sharif made the remarks while chairing a meeting to review the political and administrative situation in Azad Kashmir. The meeting was attended by PML-N leaders from Azad Kashmir and senior party officials.

Addressing participants, Sharif said the party maintains a clear position on the Kashmir issue and supports the right of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

He said PML-N has consistently prioritized constitutional rights, public welfare and development in Azad Kashmir, adding that the recent situation should not have escalated to its current level.

“This country belongs to all of us, and struggles for public rights should be carried out within the bounds of the Constitution,” Sharif said, adding that the party would continue to play its role alongside other democratic forces.

He urged the people of Kashmir to maintain their ideological and historical ties with Pakistan while remaining peaceful, calling for protest sit-ins to be ended and replaced with meaningful negotiations.

Sharif expressed hope that the people of Azad Kashmir, local authorities, the federal government and political parties would work together to help restore peace and stability in the region.

The PML-N president also emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance and political harmony, saying Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices for Pakistan and that Islamabad has consistently supported their cause.

Referring to the current national environment, Sharif said the government and Pakistan’s defense institutions had achieved significant successes and cautioned against actions that could serve the interests of hostile forces.

The meeting also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in recent incidents in Azad Kashmir and offered prayers for the deceased.

Sharif additionally praised Ameer Muqam for his role in organizing election campaigns in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Sindh presents tax-free budget for 2026-27

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Sindh presents

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday presented the province’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, announcing a 7% increase in salaries and pensions for government employees, raising the minimum monthly wage to Rs43,000 and introducing a range of development and social welfare initiatives.

Presenting the budget in the Sindh Assembly, Shah said the government would merge the ad hoc relief allowances granted in 2022 and 2025 into employees’ pay scales. He also announced that the minimum wage would be increased from Rs40,000 to Rs43,000 per month.

The chief minister said no new taxes had been imposed in the budget, which aims to provide relief to citizens and the business community. The government also decided not to introduce any new development schemes in the upcoming fiscal year, while proposing Rs2.56 trillion for non-development expenditures.

Education remained a key priority, with Rs601 billion allocated to the sector. The government also reduced sales tax on educational support services to 5%.

Shah announced plans to establish the Sindh International Financial Center in Karachi, describing it as a platform for infrastructure financing, Islamic finance and climate finance.

He said Sindh had agreed to arrangements worth Rs260 billion under Article 160 of the Constitution in support of national stability while safeguarding the province’s constitutional rights and development priorities under the NFC Award.

The budget also introduced a subsidized solar financing program for middle-income households. Shah said Rs18 billion would be spent to distribute 275,000 free solar home systems, adding that free solar units had already been provided to low-income families.

Among other initiatives, the chief minister announced the launch of the Sindh Green Data Infrastructure Initiative and a waste-to-value program aimed at converting waste into fuel and commercial products.

The government also plans special legislation to support small farmers by improving access to machinery, financing, insurance and modern technology.

In the health sector, Shah said services at major institutions, including National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre would be expanded. He added that the 1123 telemedicine service and 1122 ambulance network would be further strengthened.

Shah highlighted the completion of the Rs60.7 billion Shahrah-e-Bhutto project, describing it as a major public convenience initiative.

He also reiterated plans to transform Keti Bandar into a global maritime, logistics, industrial and energy hub linked to the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone and Thar coal resources, with the goal of making it Pakistan’s next major economic gateway.