Nawaz Sharif

PPP leader Saeed Ghani accused PML-N of rigging every election they won, citing instances in 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2008, 2013, and 2024. He claimed the PPP was targeted in these elections and emphasized his party's stance against creating new provinces in Sindh while supporting Punjab's requests.

Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, a PML-N MNA and former provincial minister, passed away at 76 in Bahawalpur. Political leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief and praised his public service.

The first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections began in Mirpur division with 288 candidates competing across 13 constituencies. Security measures include 18,560 personnel from police, Rangers, and the Army, with polling held at 2,316 stations. The election is being conducted in three phases due to security concerns, with subsequent phases scheduled for August 2 and August 10.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of the PPP responded to Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N, asserting that residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and similar-named regions will not surrender their political rights. The exchange occurs ahead of AJK's first election phase in Mirpur, amid allegations of pre-poll rigging and criticism of PML-N's 'gifts' of e-buses. Bilawal emphasized the PPP's infrastructure and educational projects in AJK, contrasting them with the PML-N's promises.

The Mirpur Division elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir face tensions as PML-N and PPP contest amid PPP allegations of code violations and Election Commission warnings against new schemes. MQM-P withdraws candidates in favor of PML-N, while 2,316 polling stations are set up for the vote.

The AJK Election Commission warned against code of conduct violations following PML-N's announcement of development schemes during elections. PPP labeled the pledges as 'political bribery,' prompting the Commission to clarify that new schemes or government resources used for campaigning would be illegal. Media and social platforms were urged to avoid unverified content to maintain electoral integrity.

Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz pledged infrastructure and welfare projects for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including an international airport and electric buses, amid PPP criticism over electioneering tactics. PPP accused the PML-N of making pre-poll promises and urged the Election Commission to address the issue.

Nawaz Sharif criticized the lack of development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after his removal from power, vowing to implement a manifesto prioritizing education, healthcare, and infrastructure if PML-N wins the upcoming elections. He and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced plans for schools, hospitals, and natural gas access in AJK, emphasizing their party's past contributions to the region.

PML-N launched its election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with party leader Nawaz Sharif addressing supporters in Muzaffarabad. He emphasized the need for a motorway along the Jhelum River and the party announced candidates for 37 of AJK's 45 constituencies.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has unanimously demanded provisional provincial status for the region, citing cross-party and ethnic support. The resolution emphasizes constitutional rights and inclusion in the NFC Award while reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute. Past leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and recent political figures have incrementally advanced GB’s integration, but the demand for full democratic rights remains unresolved.

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.

Political efforts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ahead of elections focus on engaging with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which protests against refugee seats in the legislature. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Nawaz Sharif are visiting the region to campaign, while the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Chairman Syed Qamar Raza attempted a personal initiative to persuade JAAC leaders to abandon violence.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Qatar to express condolences over the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The visit included meetings with Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and discussions on bilateral relations, alongside Pakistan's observance of a day of mourning. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied the prime minister.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will attend the funeral ceremony of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei. Senior officials from Russia, China, and India will also attend, with Iran reporting dignitaries from about 100 countries, including the presidents of Tajikistan and Georgia.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged the opposition to address their past actions and sign a Charter of Democracy with the government. He criticized the opposition's recent criticism of the government and referenced historical political conflicts between PPP and PML-N to advocate for reconciliation.

Nawaz Sharif urged Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) protesters to end sit-ins and engage in dialogue with the government, emphasizing constitutional rights and the need for peace ahead of upcoming elections. The PML-N leader highlighted tensions over refugee seats, inflation, and electricity tariffs, calling for collective efforts to resolve the situation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of a US-Iran agreement in Geneva on June 19 to end a three-month war. The agreement aims to halt the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Pakistan having mediated the peace talks and previously brokered a ceasefire.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey amid discussions about potential new US-Iran negotiations. US President Donald Trump indicated talks could resume in Pakistan within two days.