"BACKED" · 총 507건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 75,744건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 3,874건(5.1%)·중립 69,977건(92.4%)·부정 1,893건(2.5%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 15.3(중도 균형)입니다.
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• Preliminary count has PPP ahead on 10 seats; PML-N has upper hand in six constituencies • Independents carve out leads on five seats; PTI-aligned candidates set to claim two districts; MWM ahead in one race • PPP, PTI complain of widespread irregularities PEOPLE cast their votes at a polling station during the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.—Dawn GILGIT: The PPP appeared to be leading in the unofficial, early tallies for 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, even as political parties cried foul and levelled serious allegations of vote-rigging. The preliminary count from Sunday’s closely watched polls indicates the PPP is currently leading in 10 constituencies; with the PML-N ahead in six, and independent candidates holding the lead in five constituencies. Meanwhile, PTI-backed independent candidates, contesting without their party’s traditional electoral symbol, were ahead on two seats, while their ally, the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, was leading the race in one constituency. According to unofficial and unverified results, shared by the Gilgit Baltistan Election Commission, PPP regional president Amjad Hussain is leading in GBA-1 (Gilgit), while former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman of the PML-N is ahead in GBA-2 (Gilgit). PTI-backed independent Sohail Abbas is currently leading the GBA-3 (Gilgit) constituency. In Nagar, Muhammad Ali Akhtar is leading in GBA-4 and Zulfiqar Ali Murad is ahead in GBA-5. Across the Skardu district and neighbouring areas, the PPP was also leading in five additional seats: Syed Tauqeer Mehdi in GBA-7 (Skardu), Fida Muhammad Nashad in GBA-9 (Skardu), Nasir Ali Khan in GBA-10 (Rondu), Iqbal Hassan in GBA-11 (Kharmang), and Imran Nadeem in GBA-12 (Shigar). The MWM’s sole lead is in GBA-8 (Skardu), where Muhammad Kazim is ahead. The PML-N demonstrates concentrated support in the Astore district, where Rana Farman Ali and Rana Muhammad Farooq are leading in GBA-13 and GBA-14, respectively. The party is also ahead through Kifayat ur Rehman in GBA-18 (Tangir), Abdul Jahan in GBA-20 (Ghizer), and Muhammad Ibrahim in GBA-22 (Ghanche). Independent candidates are currently leading across Diamer, Yasin, and Ghanche. Muhammad Dilpazir and Imam Malik are ahead in GBA-15 and GBA-16 in Diamer. In Yasin, Aman Ali is leading in GBA-21, while independents Anwar and Asad Shafiq are holding leads in GBA-23 and GBA-24 in Ghanche. Rounding out the preliminary results, PTI-backed independent Naik Nam Karim is leading in GBA-6 (Hunza). In Darel, PPP’s Muhammad Naseem is ahead in GBA-17, and his party colleague Syed Jalal is leading in GBA-19 in Ghizer. Rigging allegations Despite their early lead, the PPP was among the parties most vocal in their complaints of alleged irregularities and rigging. Both the PPP and the PTI separately accused officials of delaying the release of official paperwork used to verify results at the polling-station level. PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari alleged that presiding officers refused to provide Form-45, the official vote count prepared at each polling station. “We have contacted the chief election commissioner and informed him about the matter,” Bukhari said in a statement. PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri called the delay unacceptable, adding that altered voter lists and shifted polling stations indicated systemic rigging. The PPP, which is a coalition partner in the federal government, alleged that the Balachi polling station in Astore-II’s Bunji area was relocated from a roadside to a hilltop overnight, prompting residents to block the Gilgit-Skardu Road in protest. Concurrently, the PTI, whose candidates ran as independents after the party lost its electoral symbol, also alleged manipulation after initially claiming its candidates were ahead in several constituencies. In a statement, the party said its candidates were leading until 7pm, after which “suspicious results” began to emerge, including reported turnouts above 80 per cent and individual ballot boxes containing “700 to 800 votes”. It further said, “This is a blot on the entire electoral process and its transparency.” The PTI also alleged that its polling agents were not being issued Form-46, terming it a “clear violation of election laws that has further intensified fears of result manipulation”. It said reports had emerged of members of other parties being caught red-handed with fake ballot papers in multiple areas, including Nagar. “This rigging is part of a well-planned and systematic conspiracy,” the party has claimed. It alleged that before polling, voter lists were tampered with in specific constituencies, police and administration were used to change delimitation and polling schemes, and opposition candidates and workers were “systematically harassed and pressurised”. The PTI warned that any attempt to manipulate the results would have serious consequences. “PTI will employ every constitutional, legal, and democratic avenue to protect the votes of its supporters. We demand that authentic results from all polling stations be released immediately, Form-45 and Form-46 be provided to every candidate without delay, a swift inquiry be conducted into suspicious polling stations with strict action against those responsible, and the Election Commission fulfil its constitutional duty by ensuring complete transparency,” the party stated. The sharp accusations came after officials earlier presented a more positive picture of the voting process. Gilgit-Baltistan’s chief election commissioner, Raja Shahbaz Khan, visited about 10 polling stations across Gilgit city and said security arrangements were satisfactory. He also noted a high turnout among women, with 396,937 registered female voters in the region. Caretaker interior minister Sajid Ali Baig similarly described the day as generally peaceful, though he acknowledged minor irregularities and said authorities had responded quickly. The election was held after a four-month delay attributed to harsh winter weather. In total, 396 candidates contested the vote, including 266 independents and eight women, competing for 24 of the assembly’s 33 seats. Officials said 963,034 registered voters were eligible to cast ballots across 10 districts. The highly competitive race featured 23 candidates from the PPP, 22 from the PML-N, and a 22-candidate alliance between the PTI and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen. Attention has now turned to the outcome and the likely contest for the chief ministership. Among the leading contenders are the PPP’s regional president, Amjad Hussain, contesting from GBA-1, and the PML-N’s regional president, Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, contesting from GBA-2 Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026
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Unofficial and preliminary results of elections for the 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly show that the PPP is leading the race with success in 10 constituencies. According to the unofficial results, second in the race is PML-N with six seats, while independent candidates, including two PTI-backed ones, emerged victorious in seven constituencies. Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen was able to win just one seat, the results showed. Polling for the 24 seats had concluded peacefully on Sunday evening amid tight security arrangements. Unofficial Provisional Results Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Elections 24 seats · Results as reported PPP 10 PML-N 6 Independent 5 PTI-backed Ind. 2 MWM 1 SeatDistrictWinner GBA-1GilgitPPP GBA-2GilgitPML-N GBA-3GilgitPTI-backed Ind. GBA-4NagarPPP GBA-5NagarPPP GBA-6HunzaPTI-backed Ind. GBA-7SkarduPPP GBA-8SkarduMWM GBA-9SkarduPPP GBA-10RounduPPP GBA-11KharmangPPP GBA-12ShigarPPP GBA-13AstorePML-N GBA-14AstorePML-N GBA-15DiamerIndependent GBA-16DiamerIndependent GBA-17DarelPPP GBA-18TangirPML-N GBA-19GhizerPPP GBA-20GhizerPML-N GBA-21YasinIndependent GBA-22GhanchePML-N GBA-23GhancheIndependent GBA-24GhancheIndependent * Unofficial provisional results. PTI-backed candidates ran as independents. The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has a total of 33 seats — 24 of which are contested through direct elections, six are reserved for women, and three are reserved for technocrats and professionals. Political parties can nominate candidates for the reserved seats through proportional representation. The general elections for GB took place after a four-month delay, which was attributed to harsh winter weather. A total of 396 candidates contested the elections, with 266 running as independents. Only eight women contested the elections, five of them as independent candidates. The total number of registered voters in the region’s 10 districts was 963,034, including 566,097 male and 396,937 female voters. PPP’s allegations The voting process remained largely peaceful throughout the region. However, as the voting closed, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari alleged delays in the provision of Form-45. A Form-45 is the result of the vote count prepared by a presiding officer (PO) at each polling station. “We have contacted the chief election commissioner and informed him about the matter,” Bukhari said in a statement. Separately, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri said in a statement that the “delay in the issuance of Form-45 was unacceptable”. She also alleged that voter lists were altered before the election and polling stations were changed, saying that these actions indicated rigging. PPP alleged earlier that the Balachi polling station in Astore-II’s Bunji area was relocated from the roadside to the top of a hill overnight while the voting was underway. In a post on X, the party noted that the polling station had 206 registered voters, asserting that the “local population is known for its strong support” of the PPP. “This decision appears to be an attempt to affect the PPP’s vote bank and discourage voters from participating in the polling process,” it alleged. The party added that residents blocked the Gilgit-Skardu Road in protest of this action. In her statement, Marri said the PPP would not let an attempt to steal the public’s mandate succeed. She demanded that the Election Commission fulfill its constitutional responsibility and issue correct results. Meanwhile, PPP’s Nadeem Afzal accused the federal government of “electoral engineering”, alleging that two federal ministers present in GB were pressuring the administration and state machinery to influence results. “The presence of Amir Muqam and Aleem Khan in GB and their activities go against the requirements of a fair election,” he added. “There are also reports that presiding officers are being pressurised not to issue Form-45, which raises a question on the election’s transparency,” Chan said in a statement. PPP Secretary General also made these allegations in a video statement. PTI claims lead in polls, alleges rigging Similarly, the PTI claimed in a statement that its candidates were leading, according to initial and unofficial results. “PTI candidates were clearly leading until 7pm. However, immediately afterwards, results from certain polling stations began to emerge with suspiciously high turnouts exceeding 80 per cent and individual ballot boxes having 700-800 votes. These figures raise serious doubts and suspicions,” the party said. It further said, “This is a blot on the entire electoral process and its transparency.” The PTI also alleged that its polling agents were not being issued Form-46, terming it a “clear violation of election laws that has further intensified fears of result manipulation”. It said reports had emerged of members of other parties being caught red-handed with fake ballot papers in multiple areas, including Nagar. “This rigging is part of a well-planned and systematic conspiracy,” the party has claimed. It alleged that before polling, voter lists were tampered with in specific constituencies, police and administration were used to change delimitation and polling schemes, and opposition candidates and workers were “systematically harassed and pressurised”. The PTI warned that any attempt to manipulate the results would have serious consequences. “PTI will employ every constitutional, legal, and democratic avenue to protect the votes of its supporters. We demand that authentic results from all polling stations be released immediately, Form-45 and Form-46 be provided to every candidate without delay, a swift inquiry be conducted into suspicious polling stations with strict action against those responsible, and the Election Commission fulfil its constitutional duty by ensuring complete transparency,” the party stated. Polling As polling began, GB Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan visited various polling stations across Gilgit city to review the process, security arrangements and the overall electoral environment. He also inspected the facilities and arrangements provided to voters at the polling stations and met polling agents representing different candidates. Speaking to PTV News, Khan noted that he had visited around 10 polling stations, where security arrangements were satisfactory. He said women were turning out in large numbers to cast ballots, which reflected strong public awareness about the importance of exercising their democratic right. He added that all political parties were participating peacefully in the electoral process. GB caretaker Interior Minister Sajid Ali Baig said he visited various polling stations, where the overall environment remained peaceful. According to APP, he told a local media outlet that there were public demands for further deployment of police forces in some areas for smooth and secure polling. The minister said minor irregularities observed at certain locations were being addressed promptly by the authorities concerned. Who were in the race? PPP fielded 23 candidates, PML-N 22, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) 15, PML-Q 11, Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan 10, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) also 10, while nine candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) also contested the elections. Meanwhile, the PTI, which won the 2020 elections, remained without an electoral symbol since Jan 13, 2024 and therefore, its candidates were contesting as independents. In line with its strategy for the national 2024 elections, it allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM). A social media post by the party showed their alliance has 22 candidates combined, with MWM nominees bearing the “tent” symbol. MWM had three candidates in the running, and one candidate from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) also contested the election. Six candidates each from Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) also contested the elections, along with four candidates from Awami Workers Party (AWP) and one nominee from Awami National Party (ANP). PPP, IPP, and PNP nominated one woman each. The main contenders for the winning candidate were Advocate Amjad Hussain from the PPP and former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman from the PML-N. Hussain, president of the PPP’s GB chapter, has served as a member of the GB assembly from 2020 to 2025 and as a member of the GB council from 2009 to 2014. He is contesting from GBA-1 (Gilgit-I). Rehman, currently the president of the PML-N’s GB chapter, served as the chief minister from 2015 to 2020. He also served as an assembly member from 2004 to 2009. The former CM is contesting the polls from GBA-2 (Gilgit-II). This photo combo shows PML-N’s Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman (L) and Advocate Amjad Hussain (R). — X/@CMGBPK / Facebook/@AdvocateAmjad GB top court orders ‘fair’ elections after KP CM’s letter Separately, the GB Supreme Appellate Court directed the election commission to hold elections in a free and fair manner after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi wrote to Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan. A press release by the appellate court recalled that CM Afridi had written a letter to the chief justice, in which he requested equal opportunities for all political parties in the elections. Subsequently, the statement said, Justice Khan issued a written order to the GB CEC, directing him to conduct the general elections in a “transparent, impartial and fair manner”. In his response, the CEC assured the chief justice that the electoral process would be carried out under “a transparent, impartial and organised system”. “In his detailed letter, he has also informed the esteemed court in detail about the steps taken by the election commission to ensure the transparency and impartiality of the elections,” the court’s statement said. The appellate court affirmed that it was striving to ensure the provision of justice to the people. PPP pledges rights; PML-N vows projects In a video statement issued early in the morning, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged the public across GB to turn up in large numbers and cast their vote on the party’s “arrow” symbol. “I want to get the people of Gilgit-Baltistan haq-i-hakmiyat (right to govern). I want to get Gilgit-Baltistan constitutional rights. Come, make PPP win so we can make GB the fifth province,” Bilawal said. He further promised to provide “haq-i-rozgar (right to employment)” to the youth of GB if his party got elected. “From the riverside to the peak of the mountains, I want to make you the owner of your land,” the PPP chairman said, adding that a vast area of land had been turned into “common land from state land”. In his video statement, PML-N’s Rehman noted that his party held over 200 corner meetings, more than 40 jalsas and 11 rallies during the election campaign. He apologised to PML-N supporters for not being able to visit various areas he wanted to due to party duties. “I hope that your vote will be in support of progress, peace, development that has been paused since 2020, [and] for the eradication of load-shedding,” the former CM remarked. Rehman emphasised his party’s pledge to work on development projects, construction of roads and metro buses, and better governance. Tight security As part of security arrangements, 6,000 Punjab police personnel and 2,000 from Islamabad police — including 150 personnel from its security division — have been assigned for election duty in the mountainous region. According to a list issued by the GB Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across the region, of which 488 are categorised as normal, 349 as sensitive and 551 as highly sensitive. Diamer, with 119 highly sensitive polling stations out of a total of 174, has the highest number of such stations among all districts. Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable locations, while law enforcement agencies and the district administration will remain on high alert throughout the election process. On Saturday, the GB CEC urged voters to exercise their democratic right and play a constructive role in maintaining law and order. He asserted that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections across the region. CEC Khan had delegated powers of a first-class magistrate to all district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections. The election campaign The last elections — held on Nov 15, 2020 — had been won by the PTI, which was also in power in the Centre at the time. However, its Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan was disqualified for an alleged fake degree in July 2023. Subsequently, a coalition government was formed by members of the PTI, PPP and PML-N with Haji Gulbar Khan — an estranged PTI member — elected by the assembly as the new chief minister. In the run-up to the current polls, the PML-N and the PPP campaigned with full force as their party chiefs toured the region. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif visited Gilgit, while Bilawal gave fiery speeches at rallies in various districts. However, the PTI decried a “lack of level playing field” in the current elections after its key leaders were expelled from GB on separate occasions. The party has also alleged other tactics to deter its election campaign activities. Meanwhile, the PPP raised concerns over the deployment of Punjab police personnel and the participation of federal ministers in the PML-N’s campaign. Additional input from APP and Ikram Junaidi
Unofficial results of elections for the 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly show that the PPP is leading the race with success in 10 constituencies. According to the unofficial results, second in the race is PML-N with six seats, while independent candidates, including two PTI-backed ones, emerged victorious in seven constituencies. Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen was able to win just one seat, the results showed. Polling for the 24 seats had concluded peacefully on Sunday evening amid tight security arrangements. Unofficial Provisional Results Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Elections 24 seats · Results as reported PPP 10 PML-N 6 Independent 5 PTI-backed Ind. 2 MWM 1 SeatDistrictWinner GBA-1GilgitPPP GBA-2GilgitPML-N GBA-3GilgitPTI-backed Ind. GBA-4NagarPPP GBA-5NagarPPP GBA-6HunzaPTI-backed Ind. GBA-7SkarduPPP GBA-8SkarduMWM GBA-9SkarduPPP GBA-10RounduPPP GBA-11KharmangPPP GBA-12ShigarPPP GBA-13AstorePML-N GBA-14AstorePML-N GBA-15DiamerIndependent GBA-16DiamerIndependent GBA-17DarelPPP GBA-18TangirPML-N GBA-19GhizerPPP GBA-20GhizerPML-N GBA-21YasinIndependent GBA-22GhanchePML-N GBA-23GhancheIndependent GBA-24GhancheIndependent * Unofficial provisional results. PTI-backed candidates ran as independents. The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has a total of 33 seats — 24 of which are contested through direct elections, six are reserved for women, and three are reserved for technocrats and professionals. Political parties can nominate candidates for the reserved seats through proportional representation. The general elections for GB took place after a four-month delay, which was attributed to harsh winter weather. A total of 396 candidates contested the elections, with 266 running as independents. Only eight women contested the elections, five of them as independent candidates. The total number of registered voters in the region’s 10 districts was 963,034, including 566,097 male and 396,937 female voters. PPP’s allegations The voting process remained largely peaceful throughout the region. However, as the voting closed, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari alleged delays in the provision of Form-45. A Form-45 is the result of the vote count prepared by a presiding officer (PO) at each polling station. “We have contacted the chief election commissioner and informed him about the matter,” Bukhari said in a statement. Separately, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri said in a statement that the “delay in the issuance of Form-45 was unacceptable”. She also alleged that voter lists were altered before the election and polling stations were changed, saying that these actions indicated rigging. PPP alleged earlier that the Balachi polling station in Astore-II’s Bunji area was relocated from the roadside to the top of a hill overnight while the voting was underway. In a post on X, the party noted that the polling station had 206 registered voters, asserting that the “local population is known for its strong support” of the PPP. “This decision appears to be an attempt to affect the PPP’s vote bank and discourage voters from participating in the polling process,” it alleged. The party added that residents blocked the Gilgit-Skardu Road in protest of this action. In her statement, Marri said the PPP would not let an attempt to steal the public’s mandate succeed. She demanded that the Election Commission fulfill its constitutional responsibility and issue correct results. Meanwhile, PPP’s Nadeem Afzal accused the federal government of “electoral engineering”, alleging that two federal ministers present in GB were pressuring the administration and state machinery to influence results. “The presence of Amir Muqam and Aleem Khan in GB and their activities go against the requirements of a fair election,” he added. “There are also reports that presiding officers are being pressurised not to issue Form-45, which raises a question on the election’s transparency,” Chan said in a statement. PPP Secretary General also made these allegations in a video statement. PTI claims lead in polls, alleges rigging Similarly, the PTI claimed in a statement that its candidates were leading, according to initial and unofficial results. “PTI candidates were clearly leading until 7pm. However, immediately afterwards, results from certain polling stations began to emerge with suspiciously high turnouts exceeding 80 per cent and individual ballot boxes having 700-800 votes. These figures raise serious doubts and suspicions,” the party said. It further said, “This is a blot on the entire electoral process and its transparency.” The PTI also alleged that its polling agents were not being issued Form-46, terming it a “clear violation of election laws that has further intensified fears of result manipulation”. It said reports had emerged of members of other parties being caught red-handed with fake ballot papers in multiple areas, including Nagar. “This rigging is part of a well-planned and systematic conspiracy,” the party has claimed. It alleged that before polling, voter lists were tampered with in specific constituencies, police and administration were used to change delimitation and polling schemes, and opposition candidates and workers were “systematically harassed and pressurised”. The PTI warned that any attempt to manipulate the results would have serious consequences. “PTI will employ every constitutional, legal, and democratic avenue to protect the votes of its supporters. We demand that authentic results from all polling stations be released immediately, Form-45 and Form-46 be provided to every candidate without delay, a swift inquiry be conducted into suspicious polling stations with strict action against those responsible, and the Election Commission fulfil its constitutional duty by ensuring complete transparency,” the party stated. Polling As polling began, GB Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan visited various polling stations across Gilgit city to review the process, security arrangements and the overall electoral environment. He also inspected the facilities and arrangements provided to voters at the polling stations and met polling agents representing different candidates. Speaking to PTV News, Khan noted that he had visited around 10 polling stations, where security arrangements were satisfactory. He said women were turning out in large numbers to cast ballots, which reflected strong public awareness about the importance of exercising their democratic right. He added that all political parties were participating peacefully in the electoral process. GB caretaker Interior Minister Sajid Ali Baig said he visited various polling stations, where the overall environment remained peaceful. According to APP, he told a local media outlet that there were public demands for further deployment of police forces in some areas for smooth and secure polling. The minister said minor irregularities observed at certain locations were being addressed promptly by the authorities concerned. Who were in the race? PPP fielded 23 candidates, PML-N 22, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) 15, PML-Q 11, Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan 10, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) also 10, while nine candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) also contested the elections. Meanwhile, the PTI, which won the 2020 elections, remained without an electoral symbol since Jan 13, 2024 and therefore, its candidates were contesting as independents. In line with its strategy for the national 2024 elections, it allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM). A social media post by the party showed their alliance has 22 candidates combined, with MWM nominees bearing the “tent” symbol. MWM had three candidates in the running, and one candidate from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) also contested the election. Six candidates each from Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) also contested the elections, along with four candidates from Awami Workers Party (AWP) and one nominee from Awami National Party (ANP). PPP, IPP, and PNP nominated one woman each. The main contenders for the winning candidate were Advocate Amjad Hussain from the PPP and former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman from the PML-N. Hussain, president of the PPP’s GB chapter, has served as a member of the GB assembly from 2020 to 2025 and as a member of the GB council from 2009 to 2014. He is contesting from GBA-1 (Gilgit-I). Rehman, currently the president of the PML-N’s GB chapter, served as the chief minister from 2015 to 2020. He also served as an assembly member from 2004 to 2009. The former CM is contesting the polls from GBA-2 (Gilgit-II). This photo combo shows PML-N’s Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman (L) and Advocate Amjad Hussain (R). — X/@CMGBPK / Facebook/@AdvocateAmjad GB top court orders ‘fair’ elections after KP CM’s letter Separately, the GB Supreme Appellate Court directed the election commission to hold elections in a free and fair manner after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi wrote to Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan. A press release by the appellate court recalled that CM Afridi had written a letter to the chief justice, in which he requested equal opportunities for all political parties in the elections. Subsequently, the statement said, Justice Khan issued a written order to the GB CEC, directing him to conduct the general elections in a “transparent, impartial and fair manner”. In his response, the CEC assured the chief justice that the electoral process would be carried out under “a transparent, impartial and organised system”. “In his detailed letter, he has also informed the esteemed court in detail about the steps taken by the election commission to ensure the transparency and impartiality of the elections,” the court’s statement said. The appellate court affirmed that it was striving to ensure the provision of justice to the people. PPP pledges rights; PML-N vows projects In a video statement issued early in the morning, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged the public across GB to turn up in large numbers and cast their vote on the party’s “arrow” symbol. “I want to get the people of Gilgit-Baltistan haq-i-hakmiyat (right to govern). I want to get Gilgit-Baltistan constitutional rights. Come, make PPP win so we can make GB the fifth province,” Bilawal said. He further promised to provide “haq-i-rozgar (right to employment)” to the youth of GB if his party got elected. “From the riverside to the peak of the mountains, I want to make you the owner of your land,” the PPP chairman said, adding that a vast area of land had been turned into “common land from state land”. In his video statement, PML-N’s Rehman noted that his party held over 200 corner meetings, more than 40 jalsas and 11 rallies during the election campaign. He apologised to PML-N supporters for not being able to visit various areas he wanted to due to party duties. “I hope that your vote will be in support of progress, peace, development that has been paused since 2020, [and] for the eradication of load-shedding,” the former CM remarked. Rehman emphasised his party’s pledge to work on development projects, construction of roads and metro buses, and better governance. Tight security As part of security arrangements, 6,000 Punjab police personnel and 2,000 from Islamabad police — including 150 personnel from its security division — have been assigned for election duty in the mountainous region. According to a list issued by the GB Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across the region, of which 488 are categorised as normal, 349 as sensitive and 551 as highly sensitive. Diamer, with 119 highly sensitive polling stations out of a total of 174, has the highest number of such stations among all districts. Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable locations, while law enforcement agencies and the district administration will remain on high alert throughout the election process. On Saturday, the GB CEC urged voters to exercise their democratic right and play a constructive role in maintaining law and order. He asserted that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections across the region. CEC Khan had delegated powers of a first-class magistrate to all district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections. The election campaign The last elections — held on Nov 15, 2020 — had been won by the PTI, which was also in power in the Centre at the time. However, its Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan was disqualified for an alleged fake degree in July 2023. Subsequently, a coalition government was formed by members of the PTI, PPP and PML-N with Haji Gulbar Khan — an estranged PTI member — elected by the assembly as the new chief minister. In the run-up to the current polls, the PML-N and the PPP campaigned with full force as their party chiefs toured the region. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif visited Gilgit, while Bilawal gave fiery speeches at rallies in various districts. However, the PTI decried a “lack of level playing field” in the current elections after its key leaders were expelled from GB on separate occasions. The party has also alleged other tactics to deter its election campaign activities. Meanwhile, the PPP raised concerns over the deployment of Punjab police personnel and the participation of federal ministers in the PML-N’s campaign. Additional input from APP and Ikram Junaidi
The former senator pointed to Tinubu's political trajectory as an example of patience and strategic alliance-building. He noted that the president had, at different times, provided political platforms for other aspirants while waiting for his own opportunity to seek the presidency. The post Atiku would’ve won 2027 presidency if he backed Obi in 2023 — Datti Baba-Ahmed appeared first on Vanguard News.
Major fighting has been paused since October under a ceasefire after two years of war, but no agreement has been reached to implement a further US-backed plan for Israeli troops to withdraw, Hamas to disarm and Gaza to be rebuilt.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat launched a damning ad forcing Mayor Zohran Mamdani-backed rival Darializa Avila Chevalier to account for the words in her own nasty "deleted" social media posts.
Security personnel stand guard outside a hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, KP. — Reuters/File Security forces have killed 27 India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in the Miran Shah area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's North Waziristan district over the past 72 hours, the Inter-Services...
Thousands of people in Los Angeles are living in city-backed tiny homes as part of efforts to reduce homelessness.
The Israeli military said it is carrying out strikes on infrastructure it says belongs to Iran-backed Islamist group Hezbollah. This comes after it said projectiles were shot at Israel earlier today. DW has more.
The Israeli military said it is carrying out strikes on infrastructure it says belongs to Iran-backed Islamist group Hezbollah. This comes after it said projectiles were shot at Israel earlier today. DW has more.
In a Tehran neighbourhood dotted with shops selling football jerseys and sporting goods, 10-year-old Helma was already feeling World Cup fever. “I’m supporting Iran because it’s always the champion!” she said, sporting a bracelet in the green, white and red of the national flag. “This year, it will be number one out of all the countries!” Holding a shopping bag containing a national team jersey, her mother explained that Helma was set to appear in a video clip supporting Iran’s side, adding: “We came to buy Team Melli outfits for the shoot.” But after weeks of war with Israel and the United States — one of the co-hosts of this year’s tournament — not to mention persistent economic hardship and stuttering efforts to bring the conflict to a final close, not every Iranian shares the grade-schooler’s excitement. This handout photograph taken and released by Iran Football Federation Press Office on June 6, 2026 shows Iran’s national football team posing at Antalya Airport in Turkiye before boarding a plane ahead of their departure to Mexico for the FIFA 2026 World Cup football tournament, — AFP At a shop in the same district, 17-year-old employee Houman said Portugal jerseys were the bestsellers, with Spain and Brazil also popular. “This World Cup is different for Iranians,” he said. “I don’t see the same enthusiasm as past editions.” Team Melli’s aspirations on the field have been overshadowed by what has been an especially trying year for Iranians. It began with anti-government protests — described as foreign-backed riots by the government — that rights groups say were met with a deadly crackdown. Then came the US-Israeli strikes that launched the war, which only worsened an economic crunch defined by hyperinflation and a currency freefall. The national team has also faced challenges of its own, with its US visas held up until the night before their departure. Iran’s squad has had to change its base for the tournament to Mexico, and even with the visas, they must enter and leave US soil on the same day as any match, Tehran’s ambassador to Mexico said on Saturday. A street vendor holds a reproduction of the FIFA World Cup Trophy near the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico on May 30, 2026, as the Iranian national football team is set to establish its base camp there for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. — Reuters/File ‘No excitement at all’ Shervin, a 42-year-old photographer from Tehran, was among those finding it difficult to get excited about the football. “In Iran, no one truly cares about football now, just as no one seems to care about the hardship and difficult living conditions of the Iranian people,” he told AFP journalists based in Paris. “It makes me angry.” Iran’s first World Cup match will be played in Los Angeles against New Zealand. “The situation looks particularly difficult for the national team players, who have to play in a country Iran is in conflict with,” said Mohammad Pahlevan, an 18-year-old high school student wearing an AC Milan jersey. Still, Team Melli “got lucky” with its draw, he added. “They can make it out of the group stage this year.” Meanwhile, Ali, a self-professed football fanatic from the northern city of Tonekabon, said he wasn’t in the mood this year after decades of fandom. “As someone who has loved football and followed every World Cup since 1994, it’s heartbreaking to realise that I feel no excitement at all for the upcoming tournament,” the 49-year-old told Paris-based AFP journalists.
Demonstrators demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose government has strongly backed the proposed project on the Adriatic coast.
Culture, fashion and tradition took centre stage at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, as FCMB-backed celebrations honoured the legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona. The post Triumph of culture, breathtaking glamour as FCMB powers Ojude Oba Festival 2026 appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
A Chinese team of medical experts has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a three-month frontline mission to contain an expanding Ebola outbreak across a mining region dense with Beijing-backed mineral investments. The five-member team of specialists in epidemiology, clinical medicine, research and traditional Chinese medicine arrived in the capital Kinshasa on Tuesday. According to China’s National Health Commission, the experts will work with local authorities to strengthen Ebola...
Since the ruling became public, both factions have offered differing interpretations of the ruling. The post Wike-backed PDP asks NBA to sanction lawyers over Appeal Court ruling on leadership dispute appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD) said the legal standing of indigenous institutions and customary ...