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PPP

PPP wins 2 seats as unofficial results continue in AJK elections

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PPP wins

MIRPUR: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured victories in two constituencies as unofficial and incomplete results continued to emerge from the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with the party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) locked in a closely contested race.

PPP candidates Qasim Majeed won LA-2 Mirpur-2 with 12,904 votes, defeating PML-N’s Azeem Bakhsh Chaudhry, who received 8,182 votes. In LA-3 Mirpur-3, PPP’s Chaudhry Yasir Sultan was declared the unofficial winner with 11,676 votes, ahead of PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, who polled 9,832 votes.

In other constituencies, incomplete results showed PML-N leading in LA-1 Mirpur-1, LA-4 Mirpur-4, LA-5 Bhimber-1, LA-6 Bhimber-2, LA-7 Bhimber-3, LA-9 Kotli-2 and LA-13 Kotli-6. The PPP maintained early leads in LA-8 Kotli-1, LA-10 Kotli-3, LA-11 Kotli-4 and LA-12 Kotli-5, where vote counting was still underway.

Polling for the first phase of the elections concluded Monday after voting in 13 constituencies across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. Election authorities extended polling by one hour before ballot counting began.

The Election Commission has stressed that the figures are unofficial and non-final, with final results to be announced after completion of the official consolidation process.

Bilawal Bhutto predicts decisive victory for PPP in AJK elections

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Bilawal Bhutto

KOTLI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari predicted a decisive victory for his party in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would suffer a historic defeat.

Addressing a public rally in Kotli, Bilawal said the PPP aims to win every seat in the constituency to form the next AJK government. He said the future of Kashmir rests in the hands of its people and that voters, not political parties, would determine the region’s direction.

Bilawal also criticized the PML-N, accusing one of its federal ministers of making remarks harmful to the interests of Kashmiris. He said that until the minister was removed from the federal cabinet, he would consider the statement to reflect the government’s official policy.

The PPP chairman reiterated his demand for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address recent developments in Azad Kashmir.

 He also urged the government to restore internet services and suspend further action until the proposed commission completes its work.

Bilawal said the people of Azad Kashmir are seeking change and pledged that, if elected, the PPP would raise the Kashmir issue at every available forum.

 He also warned political opponents against targeting PPP workers, saying the party would respond through the democratic process after the elections.

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.

PSDP cuts agreed as Pakistan moves closer to budget 2026–27 approval

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PSDP cuts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s coalition partners Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed on cuts to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), paving the way for the approval of the federal budget for 2026–27, officials said on Wednesday.

Following a meeting between the leadership of both parties, it was agreed to reduce development spending at the federal and provincial levels, helping streamline the budget process.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved summoning sessions of the National Assembly at 5 p.m. and the Senate at 4 p.m. today, officials said.

According to sources, the federal government has reduced the proposed PSDP by Rs 126 billion, while additional cuts are expected across provincial development programs except in Balochistan.

The adjustments are expected to generate around Rs 500 billion in savings, which will be redirected toward strategically important projects, including major water and energy schemes such as Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand, and Dasu dams.

Officials said the federal government had initially sought nearly Rs 1.2 trillion in additional fiscal space from provinces, but revised arrangements are now under consideration. Balochistan’s development program will remain unchanged due to its revised allocation of Rs 308 billion.

Sources said the National Economic Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will finalize key decisions regarding the PSDP size and broader budget framework. The federal budget for 2026–27 is expected to be presented after approval from cabinet and parliamentary forums.

The government is also considering adjustments in provincial shares, defense spending requirements, and potential relief measures for salaried individuals and the corporate sector, depending on fiscal space.

Government, PPP agree on most budget proposals

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Government

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday to discuss national security, the economic outlook, the upcoming federal budget and key political developments.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs Rana Sanaullah.

Participants reviewed the national security situation, internal and regional developments, economic conditions, the next fiscal year’s budget, the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and matters related to law and order.

Discussing budget proposals and public relief measures, President Zardari emphasized the need to prioritize public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the upcoming federal budget. He also directed that efforts be made to align economic growth objectives with welfare-oriented initiatives.

Sources said technical committees from both sides would continue consultations on a number of practical and implementable points that still require further deliberation.

During a meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari on the PPP’s performance in the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to sources, Sharif remarked with a smile that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had run a better election campaign than his rivals.

Sources said Raja Faisal Rathore also attended the meeting, where participants discussed the latest developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other matters of national importance.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the president on his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic engagements.

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.

PM Shehbaz directs acceleration of development projects through PPP

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to fast-track development projects across the country through enhanced use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

The directive came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review progress and reforms in the PPP framework. Key decisions were taken to improve efficiency and coordination within the system.

The meeting granted in-principle approval to further streamline the Public Private Partnership Authority and integrate its structure more effectively.

It was also decided that the authority will operate under the Privatization Division to align its performance with modern requirements and accelerate project execution.

The prime minister instructed relevant ministries and departments to strengthen their capacity for initiating and managing development projects under the PPP model.

He further directed that such projects should be made part of institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and progress.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that reforms through P3A aim to make the PPP system more transparent and efficient, enabling faster delivery of infrastructure and development initiatives.

During the meeting, officials presented a comparative analysis of PPP models adopted in various countries, along with a briefing on the proposed new framework. It was informed that under the revised structure, P3A will be overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and the Privatization Division.

The prime minister directed authorities to expedite implementation of the newly approved system.