The Local Germany (English)
중도 성향
정치
German factory orders drop in shadow of Iran war
German factory orders fell faster than expected in April, official data showed Monday, with little hope for a revival as the Iran war weighs on the economy.
"FACTORY" · 총 178건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 84,252건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,410건(5.2%)·중립 77,693건(92.2%)·부정 2,149건(2.6%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 15.3(중도 균형)입니다.
German factory orders fell faster than expected in April, official data showed Monday, with little hope for a revival as the Iran war weighs on the economy.
Figures from Destatis showed that new orders, a key indicator of future business activity, fell 3.8% from the previous month.
Doosan Group said Monday it would deepen ties with US chip giant Nvidia in physical AI-driven robotics and AI factories, expanding their partnership beyond collaborative robots to build a broader AI value chain. Based on the partnership, Doosan will combine its manufacturing expertise in robotics, energy solutions and advanced materials for AI semiconductors with Nvidia’s accelerated computing and Physical AI platforms to explore new business opportunities. One of the expected synergies is Doosa
'How China is Devouring Europe' (3/4). Kunshan specializes in electronics, Heshan in children's books… Along the Yangtze and the Pearl River, the multitude of industrial cities bear witness to how the country has transformed itself into a manufacturing juggernaut.
There are many ways to learn about a country. Some people watch films. Others visit museums. Some Seoul residents are turning to literature. This month, the Seorae Book Club is inviting readers to explore “The Girl Who Wrote Loneliness” by acclaimed Korean novelist Shin Kyung-sook, best known internationally for “Please Look After Mom.” The novel follows a teenage factory worker who leaves her rural hometown for Seoul during the country’s rapid industrialization in the 1970s, capturing the hopes
Projects such as Le Large, built on a historic Renault factory site on Seguin island, or at the Maison du Peuple in Paris's northwestern suburbs, illustrate how major corporations are taking over former industrial sites.
• 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
North Korea has released photos of Kim Jong Un inspecting huge munitions at a weapons factory
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
Polling for 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly concluded peacefully on Sunday amid tight security arrangements. The general elections for GB took place after a four-month delay, which was attributed to harsh winter weather. The voting process in the region began at 8am on Sunday and concluded at 5pm. What we know so far: PPP’s Amjad Hussain and PML-N’s Hafeezur Rehman main contenders for CM role PPP alleges Form-45 not being issued PTI, lacking electoral symbol, allies with MWM; IPP, PML-Q, JUI-F also in race GB top court writes to CEC for ‘fair’ elections after KP CM’s letter PPP pledges constitutional rights; PML-N vows development projects 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. 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, with no violence being reported. However, as the voting closed, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari alleged that the party was not being provided with 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 action 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. Earlier, the PML-N shared videos of its supporters gathering at its election camps in Skardu and Gilgit. The party also shared videos on X of the PPP and IPP’s election camps, claiming they were “deserted”. The PTI shared a video of people outside a Gilgit polling station voicing support for the party. 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’s contesting? PPP has 23 candidates, PML-N has 22, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) has 15, PML-Q has 11, Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan has 10, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) also has 10, while nine candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) are contesting the elections. Meanwhile, the PTI, which won the 2020 elections, remains without an electoral symbol since Jan 13, 2024 and therefore, its candidates are contesting as independents. In line with its strategy for the national 2024 elections, it has allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM). A social media post by the party shows their alliance has 22 candidates combined, with MWM nominees bearing the “tent” symbol. MWM has three candidates in the running, and one candidate from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) will also contest the election. Six candidates each from Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) will also contest the elections, along with four candidates from Awami Workers Party (AWP) and one nominee from Awami National Party (ANP). PPP, IPP, and PNP have 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 has 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 has 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
Polling for 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly concluded peacefully on Sunday amid tight security arrangements. The general elections for GB took place after a four-month delay, which was attributed to harsh winter weather. The voting process in the region began at 8am on Sunday and concluded at 5pm. What we know so far: PPP’s Amjad Hussain and PML-N’s Hafeezur Rehman main contenders for CM role PPP alleges Form-45 not being provided PTI, lacking electoral symbol, allies with MWM; IPP, PML-Q, JUI-F also in race GB top court writes to CEC for ‘fair’ elections after KP CM’s letter PPP pledges constitutional rights; PML-N vows development projects 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. 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, with no violence being reported. However, as the voting closed, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari alleged that the party was not being provided with 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 provision of Form-45 was unacceptable”. She also alleged that voter lists were altered before the election and polling stations were changed, saying that these action 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. Earlier, the PML-N shared videos of its supporters gathering at its election camps in Skardu and Gilgit. The party also shared videos on X of the PPP and IPP’s election camps, claiming they were “deserted”. The PTI shared a video of people outside a Gilgit polling station voicing support for the party. 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’s contesting? PPP has 23 candidates, PML-N has 22, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) has 15, PML-Q has 11, Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan has 10, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) also has 10, while nine candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) are contesting the elections. Meanwhile, the PTI, which won the 2020 elections, remains without an electoral symbol since Jan 13, 2024 and therefore, its candidates are contesting as independents. In line with its strategy for the national 2024 elections, it has allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM). A social media post by the party shows their alliance has 22 candidates combined, with MWM nominees bearing the “tent” symbol. MWM has three candidates in the running, and one candidate from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) will also contest the election. Six candidates each from Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) will also contest the elections, along with four candidates from Awami Workers Party (AWP) and one nominee from Awami National Party (ANP). PPP, IPP, and PNP have 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 has 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 has 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
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Polling for 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly concluded peacefully on Sunday amid tight security arrangements. The general elections for GB took place after a four-month delay, which was attributed to harsh winter weather. The voting process in the region began at 8am on Sunday and concluded at 5pm. What we know so far: PPP’s Amjad Hussain and PML-N’s Hafeezur Rehman main contenders for CM role PTI, lacking electoral symbol, allies with MWM; IPP, PML-Q, JUI-F also in race GB top court writes to CEC for ‘fair’ elections after KP CM’s letter PPP pledges constitutional rights; PML-N vows development projects 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. 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. The voting process remained largely peaceful throughout the region, with no violence being reported. However, the PPP complained about the “overnight” relocation of the Balachi polling station in Astore-II’s Bunji area from the roadside to the top of a hill. 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. Meanwhile, the PML-N shared videos of its supporters gathering at its election camps in Skardu and Gilgit. The party also shared videos on X of the PPP and IPP’s election camps, claiming they were “deserted”. The PTI shared a video of people outside a Gilgit polling station voicing support for the party. 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’s contesting? PPP has 23 candidates, PML-N has 22, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) has 15, PML-Q has 11, Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan has 10, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) also has 10, while nine candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) are contesting the elections. Meanwhile, the PTI, which won the 2020 elections, remains without an electoral symbol since Jan 13, 2024 and therefore, its candidates are contesting as independents. In line with its strategy for the national 2024 elections, it has allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM). A social media post by the party shows their alliance has 22 candidates combined, with MWM nominees bearing the “tent” symbol. MWM has three candidates in the running, and one candidate from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) will also contest the election. Six candidates each from Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) will also contest the elections, along with four candidates from Awami Workers Party (AWP) and one nominee from Awami National Party (ANP). PPP, IPP, and PNP have 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 has 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 has 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
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Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan are heading to polling stations across the region as they vote for 24 seats of the legislative assembly. The general elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly are taking place after a four-month delay, which was attributed to harsh winter weather. The voting process in the region began at 8am on Sunday and is set to conclude at 5pm. 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. A total of 396 candidates are contesting the elections, with 266 running as independents. Only eight women are contesting the elections, five of them as independent candidates. The total number of registered voters in the region’s 10 districts is 963,034, including 566,097 male and 396,937 female voters. GB Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan visited various polling stations across Gilgit city to review the polling 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 has so far 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 remains 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. The PML-N shared a video of its supporters gathering at an election camp in Skardu, while the PTI shared a video of people outside a Gilgit polling station voicing support for the party. Who’s contesting? PPP has 23 candidates, PML-N has 22, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) has 15, PML-Q has 11, Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan has 10, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) also has 10, while nine candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) are contesting the elections. Meanwhile, the PTI, which won the 2020 elections, remains without an electoral symbol since Jan 13, 2024 and therefore, its candidates are contesting as independents. In line with its strategy for the national 2024 elections, it has allied with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM). A social media post by the party shows their alliance has 22 candidates combined, with MWM nominees bearing the “tent” symbol. MWM has three candidates in the running, and one candidate from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) will also contest the election. Six candidates each from Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) will also contest the elections, along with four candidates from Awami Workers Party (AWP) and one nominee from Awami National Party (ANP). PPP, IPP, and PNP have nominated one woman each. The main contenders for the winning candidate are 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 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 has 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 has 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
North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is “absolutely non-negotiable”, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un said in a statement carried by state media on Sunday, ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pyongyang has long insisted on its right to a nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes although they are forbidden under the terms of UN Security Council sanctions. It enshrined its nuclear status in its constitution in 2023. “Our status as a nuclear power is absolutely non-negotiable,” Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong said in a statement published by North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun, adding that the North “will not tolerate any threats”. A key player in the country’s communications and foreign policy, Kim Yo Jong’s statement came on the eve of Xi’s visit to North Korea, scheduled to take place from Monday to Tuesday, according to state media. Beijing is a vital source of political and economic support to North Korea, which is one of the most diplomatically isolated countries in the world and under heavy international sanctions. Xi’s upcoming visit to Pyongyang would be his first in seven years, and comes after he hosted back-to-back summits with US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin last month. Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state since Kim Jong Un’s 2019 summit with Trump collapsed over the scope of denuclearisation and sanctions relief. North Korea’s leader has since been emboldened by the war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Moscow after sending thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces. He inspected a major munitions factory at the weekend and called for it to boost production capacity, according to a separate report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday. This was “in order to supply enough quantity of missiles”, KCNA quoted him as saying. False information Kim Yo Jong, in her statement, went on to slam Washington over its comments that the goal of North Korea’s denuclearisation had been reaffirmed during last month’s summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. The White House posted a fact sheet following the summit stating that “President Trump and President Xi confirmed their shared goal to denuclearise North Korea”, which Kim Yo Jong said was false. “Some officials in the United States still have yet to awaken from their escapist and anachronistic dream,” she said. “This is nothing more than Washington’s habitual dissemination of false information.” She rejected Washington’s attempts to deny or challenge the North’s status as a nuclear power, saying it “carries no legal force”. “The policy of continuously strengthening the country’s self-defensive nuclear deterrent, as set out by the nation’s leader, is an irreversible course that must be implemented without fail,” she added. The statement underscores Pyongyang’s “sensitivity” to any suggestion of a US-China agreement on North Korean denuclearisation, Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP. “Kim’s core message was a categorical rejection of reports of US-China discussions on North Korean denuclearisation as ‘false information’”, he said. It is possible that Pyongyang had “confirmed with Beijing” during the coordination process for the summit that such discussion had not taken place, Hong added.
On Saturday, a factory building was damaged in the Poltava district after being struck by drones.
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North Korea plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons, state media said on Saturday, ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper, reporting on a Thursday naval test supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, said he ordered the navy to deploy the destroyer Kang Kon and another 5,000-ton warship, the Choe Hyon, as soon as possible. The newspaper did not give further details. It is the first time North Korea has mentioned a plan to build a 10,000-ton destroyer, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at South Korea’s Institute for National Unification. Kim may be seeking to showcase the country’s military capabilities ahead of Xi’s visit on Monday and Tuesday, Hong said. The North Korean leader said Pyongyang must enhance its naval capabilities to deter a nuclear war, while calling for powerful military capabilities across land, sea and air, the newspaper said. Xi is making his first visit to North Korea in nearly seven years as Beijing looks to reassert ties with Pyongyang, its only formal treaty ally. Before the visit was announced, Kim on Thursday called for an “exponential” expansion of North Korea’s atomic arsenal during a visit to a newly operational nuclear material production factory. During Kim’s ship inspection, he was joined by his daughter, believed to be a teenager named Ju Ae, a photo published by the newspaper showed. North Korea said in May 2025 that a 5,000-ton destroyer had partially capsized during a launching ceremony in Chongjin port. Kim, who was overseeing the ceremony, condemned the accident and called it a “criminal act” that could not be tolerated. After the ship was repaired at Rajin port, a second launching ceremony was held the next month, when the vessel was named the Kang Kon.