Gilgit-Baltistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain of federal government support for regional development in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and education. The meeting included key ministers and highlighted projects such as a 100-megawatt solar initiative and knowledge schools.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections are shaping as a contest between PML-N's Nawaz Sharif and PPP's Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, with both leaders intensifying campaigns. PML-N faces criticism over its perceived role in a crackdown on JAAC protests, while PPP claims the federal government, not the AJK administration, is responsible for the unrest.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed a rally in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ahead of regional elections on July 27, expressing hope for forming a government and seeking better public support than in previous elections. He criticized a murder case against PPP candidate Javed Badhanvi and pledged employment opportunities and self-government rights for AJK residents.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari proposed abolishing the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and enhancing constitutional empowerment for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He emphasized greater regional representation in federal institutions, constitutional reforms via stakeholder consultations, and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address unrest in AJK.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari pledged to represent the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the federal government and internationally, criticizing the current political leadership for failing to bridge the gap between AJK and the center. He proposed a truth and reconciliation commission to resolve AJK's issues and urged both the government and protesters to halt actions until the commission addresses grievances.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms, and windstorms across multiple regions of Pakistan from July 18 to July 25, with warnings of potential damage from strong winds, lightning, and flash floods in mountainous and hilly areas.

Gilgit-Baltistan has become Pakistan’s climate crisis epicenter due to escalating glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and accelerated glacier melt. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are destabilizing Central Karakoram glaciers, leading to increased flood risks, displacement, and a flood regime that no longer aligns with traditional disaster-response timelines.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to enhance coordination with provinces and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) during the monsoon rains. The PM emphasized improving emergency preparedness, operationalizing an early warning system, and cooperating with the Ministry of Climate Change. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts near-normal rainfall in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the 2026 monsoon season.

The Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, has transformed through expanded education, improved healthcare, and local development linked to foundations associated with the Aga Khan. The Ismaili community, which constitutes nearly 500,000 members in Pakistan and 90% of Hunza's population, is central to the region's progress.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss the country's situation and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The meeting occurred ahead of AJK's July 27 elections, as the PPP and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) announced a joint election campaign and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for protests over reserved seats.

Climate change-induced flash floods in Diamer district damaged infrastructure, homes, and crops, disrupting transportation and electricity. A dam project and Karakoram Highway were affected, prompting calls for relief efforts.

Gilgit-Baltistan's Chief Minister Amjad Hussain announced the establishment of a Glaciers Protection Authority to address climate change impacts and glacier protection. The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) risks in GB and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to rising temperatures and weather systems, while emergency plans and early warning systems are already in place.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to a westerly wave causing snow and ice melt, risking high river levels, new glacial lakes, and downstream flooding. Over 7.1 million people in these regions are vulnerable, with advisories urging residents to avoid riverbanks and monitor weather alerts.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a committee to review suggestions from PML-N lawmakers in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for regional welfare. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, will address development priorities including infrastructure, education, energy, and employment, with initiatives like cadet schools and a 100-megawatt solar project highlighted.

Amjad Hussain was sworn in as chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan following the June 7 elections, where the PPP secured 12 seats in the 24-member assembly. The PPP formed a government with PML-N's support, though PML-N remains in opposition. The swearing-in ceremony, initially scheduled for July 1, was postponed due to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's attendance at Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral in Iran.

Advocate Amjad Hussain, the chief minister-elect of Gilgit-Baltistan, will take the oath of office today after a postponement. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of the PPP, returned from Iran to attend the ceremony and will help decide the cabinet composition, including three ministries for the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP). The GB Supreme Appellate Court has ordered re-polling at multiple stations in Diamer.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari advocated for direct federal parliamentary representation for Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during a budget debate, highlighting their distinct constitutional histories and governance challenges. The PPP chairperson emphasized provisional provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan while maintaining Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute, noting historical grievances over bureaucratic control and colonial-era laws like the Frontier Crimes Regulation.

An international team successfully summited Nanga Parbat (8,126m) in Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the first 8,000m peak ascent of the summer climbing season. A separate Italian team opened a new route on K7 (6,934m) but abandoned their summit attempt due to dangerous snow and ridge conditions.

Rapid glacier melting due to a heatwave in Gilgit-Baltistan has triggered floods and mudslides, damaging infrastructure, blocking roads, and disrupting cross-border traffic. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) alert for Hoper and Hisper valleys, while Rescue 1122 advised avoiding travel near rivers and glaciers.

Tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) face conflicting social media messages about monsoon-related disruptions. While some reports highlight floods and landslides in June, others promote GB's scenic beauty. Officials confirm temporary road closures due to heavy rains but emphasize most routes remain open after clearance, urging travelers to check advisories before departing.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts nationwide monsoon rainfall beginning in the first week of July, with scattered rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms expected across multiple regions. The rains, while crucial for replenishing water supplies, pose risks of floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage in vulnerable areas.

The swearing-in of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Advocate Amjad Hussain was postponed due to the unavailability of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is attending the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The CM-elect highlighted the need for federal funds to address the climate crisis and proposed provisional provincial status for GB to counter the Modi government's revocation of Kashmir's special status.

The Ministry of Interior ordered immediate arrests of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas starting July 10, 2026, following a June 1, 2026, meeting on the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Provincial and administrative bodies were instructed to prioritize repatriation and provide daily reports on enforcement actions from July 11.

Cloudburst-induced floods in Diamer’s Thore Valley caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and farmland, displacing dozens of families. The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a Glof alert, while authorities warned of landslide risks and ongoing glacier melt exacerbating flood conditions in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to persistently high temperatures, which are accelerating snow and ice melt. The alert warns of rising river levels, expanding glacial lakes, and increased risks of flash flooding, landslides, and debris flows. The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission identified 130 dangerous glacial lakes, while the KP health department established heatwave emergency units.

French climber Guillaume Pierrel died after an avalanche struck his team during an attempt to scale K-6 peak in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan. The other two climbers, Boris Jule and Christina Maria, survived. A recovery team has been dispatched to retrieve Pierrel's body.

PPP's Amjad Hussain is set to become Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a shift from the Centre's political dominance. The PPP, with support from PML-N and IPP, aims to grant provisional provincial status to GB. The first session of the GB Assembly will elect key leadership roles.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert for Pakistan, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, floods, and glacier-related flood risks over the next 24 hours. The alert includes specific regional forecasts for Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh, with a separate Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) warning for mountainous areas. Authorities urge vigilance and preparedness, advising travelers to avoid northern regions during severe weather.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced Advocate Amjad Hussain as the party’s candidate for Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister. The PPP and PML-N have agreed to a power-sharing arrangement where the chief minister will be from PPP and the governor and opposition leader from PML-N.

PPP will form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan with support from PML-N, mirroring the federal power-sharing arrangement. The coalition includes a chief minister from PPP and a governor and opposition leader from PML-N, prioritizing political stability and democratic values.

Suparco identified 130 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Pakistan using satellite imagery, sharing risk assessments with disaster management authorities. The analysis highlights climate change's role in accelerating glacial melt and warns of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) threatening downstream populations.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan announced decisions on three pending election petitions, awarding the PPP 11 seats. The PML-N secured six seats, independent candidates (now aligned with IPP) won four, PTI-backed candidates two, and MWM one. The HRCP expressed concerns over abrupt changes to re-polling decisions and electoral process integrity.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned of a National Assembly boycott unless the party's budget-related demands are addressed, citing discrepancies between pre-budget consultations and the final budget document. The PPP raised concerns about provinces meeting IMF-linked revenue targets and urged the government to broaden the tax base instead of increasing taxes on existing classes. Another round of talks between PPP leaders and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is expected.

The government utilised only 52.4% of the Rs1.01 trillion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget in the first 11 months of FY26, with allocations reduced by Rs173 billion to fund fuel subsidies amid rising oil prices. Special regions like Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan spent just 62% (Rs153.86 billion) of their allocation due to further cuts.

Four independent candidates elected in Gilgit-Baltistan joined Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) after meeting with party president Abdul Aleem Khan. The IPP, which fielded 16 candidates in the recent elections without winning any seats, now has four assembly members who could influence government formation. PPP and PML-N are negotiating government formation, with PPP holding 11 seats and PML-N six.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to expedite a 100MW solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), emphasizing transparency through third-party validation and government funding. Additional solar projects, including 18MW for government buildings and 82MW for residential areas, are underway in the region, with completion dates set for October and December.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission postponed local bodies polls from August 2 to September 27, 2026, to avoid clashing with Muharram and Chehlum of Imam Hussain. The nomination scrutiny date was extended to August 10, 2026, and the elections will cover 1,343 wards with candidates required to be at least 25 years old and affiliated with a party.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures from July to September 2026, influenced by El Niño conditions and a transitioning Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Most regions, including Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, are expected to experience reduced rainfall, while Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may see normal to slightly above-normal precipitation. The PMD warns of increased risks of flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods in mountainous areas.

Pakistan faces severe climate challenges with consecutive record-warm years in 2024 and 2025, leading to glacial melt, erratic monsoons, and increased weather volatility. The government allocated Rs690bn for climate-related initiatives in 2026-27, including Rs214bn in climate-tagged expenditure and Rs476bn in green subsidies, though the article questions if these funds match the scale of required climate investments.

Gilgit-Baltistan's elections concluded peacefully amid initial concerns, while Pakistani Kashmir faces tensions over upcoming elections and disputes over 12 refugee seats. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demands abolition of these seats, arguing they distort local democracy, but the government opposes this and banned the group, escalating protests and casualties.