PML-N

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.

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.

A resolution submitted to the Punjab Assembly seeks to ban dual nationals from government jobs, citing concerns over allegiance and access to sensitive information. The resolution, moved by PML-N MPA Amjad Ali Javed, references an investigative report claiming 24,000 government employees hold dual nationality and urges legislative action to prohibit such appointments. Similar calls were made by JUI-F MNA Noor Alam Khan regarding bureaucrats.

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.

Rana Sanaullah, a PML-N leader, criticized JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's remarks about army martyrs as 'inappropriate' but claimed they were unintended. Sanaullah condemned planned JUI-F protests near GHQ as an 'attack on Pakistan' and rejected claims of media propaganda against Fazl. JUI-F's Maulana Attaur Rehman accused critics of misrepresenting Fazl's speech and called for potential marches to Islamabad.

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.

Ministers from the ruling PML-N rebuked Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for remarks suggesting soldiers' sacrifices are tied to salaries. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and other ministers criticized the comments as morally insensitive, emphasizing the ideological and patriotic duty behind military personnel's service.

A Lahore sessions court extended the pre-arrest bail of PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar and his wife until July 28, as they face charges of cyber harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation against television actress Momina Iqbal. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is investigating the case under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and Pakistan Penal Code.

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.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court disqualified PPP candidate Fida Muhammad Nashad for concealing assets in his nomination papers, overturning a lower court's decision that had allowed him to contest. The court found Nashad violated the Election Act by omitting asset details, nullifying the GB Chief Court's order and upholding the election tribunal's disqualification.

A World Bank report on the NFC Award post-18th Amendment highlights that 80% of provincial spending in health and education goes toward salaries, with minimal improvement in service indicators. Local government funding has declined significantly, and provinces have failed to establish fair distribution mechanisms, while political parties have entrenched power in their respective provinces through patronage systems.

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.

The PPP's candidate selection for AJK elections faces legal challenges over Asim Sharif Butt's disputed State Subject status. PML-N's Syed Shoukat Ali Shah plans to seek contempt proceedings against PPP leadership for awarding a ticket to Butt, whose certificate was declared invalid by official inquiries. The PPP also reversed candidate decisions in two constituencies.

A Lahore court extended the pre-arrest bail of PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar and his wife until July 13, following allegations of harassing television actress Momina Iqbal. The case emerged after Iqbal's social media appeal highlighted claims of online harassment and threats, prompting investigations by NCCIA and a police FIR.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed a Senate by-election for a seat vacated by Murad Saeed's disqualification. A PML-N lawmaker petitioned to suspend the schedule, arguing constitutional ambiguities about the seat's vacancy and Murad's status as a senator. The ECP is deliberating on whether the seat remains vacant and if the by-election should proceed.

The article discusses speculation about the instability of the Pakistani government, with journalist Sohail Warraich predicting its potential downfall starting in July. Debates highlight economic struggles and the government's lack of popularity, while others argue its stability due to the prime minister's relationship with the military.

The article discusses the neglect of local governance (LGs) in Pakistan, with political parties PPP and PML-N blaming each other for delays in holding local elections. It highlights structural gaps in governance, the need for constitutional clarity, and the importance of devolving power to local bodies for effective civic management.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed surprise upon learning the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026 had been approved by the standing committee. The bill allows executive actions like freezing bank accounts and electronic surveillance based on intelligence assessments, sparking opposition concerns over human rights and political misuse.

PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bokhari emphasized provincial autonomy must remain free from interference and stated there is no concrete information on a proposed 28th constitutional amendment. The amendment could potentially undermine financial autonomy and powers devolved to provinces under the 2010 18th Constitutional Amendment, which expanded provincial control over areas like health and local government.

The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, which grants executive powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and impose surveillance based on intelligence assessments. The bill draws parallels to colonial-era laws like the 1871 Criminal Tribes Act and the 1918 Restriction of Habitual Offenders Act, which targeted communities and individuals without judicial process.

PPP announced local government elections in Sindh will be held in 2027, sparking a dispute with PML-N over election patterns in Punjab and Islamabad. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari challenged PML-N to hold local polls in 90 days, while PML-N's Saad Rafique opposed adopting Sindh's model. PPP emphasized its past success in Sindh's local governance.

Pakistan is recognized as a peacemaker for mediating between the US and Iran, according to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He highlighted the country's growing global diplomatic role and efforts under PM Shehbaz Sharif to address economic challenges.

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.

Newly elected members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly were sworn in, with 30 representatives including lawmakers, women on reserved seats, and technocrats. Political alliances between PPP, PML-N, and IPP are expected to shape the government, with Advocate Amjad Hussain likely to become chief minister.

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.

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.

The Pakistan Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill 2026 was deferred by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom after criticism over allowing telecom companies to use public land without fees and imposing fines on state agencies. The bill, passed by the National Assembly on June 11, faced objections from PTI senators and was referred to the committee for amendments, with concerns about its scope and potential exploitation.

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.

PPP Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan called for a separate South Punjab province during the Senate budget debate, citing historical and administrative reasons. He demanded an industrial zone, high court, and a share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award for the region. Other senators from PML-N and independent groups raised issues related to economic policies, solar energy, and governance.

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.

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.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the FY2027 federal budget as 'relief-oriented' during a press briefing with Finance State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani. He highlighted economic reforms including digitization of tax systems, merit-based hiring at the Federal Board of Revenue, and efforts to combat tax evasion in industries like sugar, tobacco, and cement, which recovered Rs60 billion and addressed a Rs200 billion leak.

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.

A BS-18 police officer in Hafizabad was removed from his post after an altercation with the son of a local MPA over the use of the DPO office’s toilet. The dispute, which occurred during a visit by the MPA and his constituents, led to a social media campaign and political intervention by a senior PML-N figure, prompting an inquiry by Punjab’s IGP on the CM’s orders.

The PPP urges protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to end demonstrations, citing harm to Pakistan’s international reputation and the Kashmir cause. The party’s AJK wing calls for withdrawing the election schedule amid clashes that killed two people in Rawalakot, while the PML-N insists on proceeding with elections. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasizes resolving grievances through democratic means and highlights a pending US-Iran peace agreement mediated by Pakistan.

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.

The 2026-27 federal budget presentation was disrupted by protests from PPP and PTI in the National Assembly and government workers outside Parliament. PPP criticized PML-N's 'unreasonable attitude' and protested a reduction in Sindh's water share, while PTI members disrupted the session with slogans and torn budget documents. The budget session faced delays and tensions, including scuffles between PTI and PML-N lawmakers.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed PM Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan after the PPP won 11 of 24 seats in the GB Legislative Assembly. PM Shehbaz assured PML-N support for the PPP government, with PML-N members voting in favor and securing the governor and deputy speaker positions. Bilawal thanked the people of GB for their trust in the PPP.

The federal budget for FY2026-27 is set to be presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Parliament today, featuring new tax measures worth Rs660-700 billion and targeted relief for mid- to upper-income earners. The government aims to expand the tax net through initiatives like the Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme and has reached an agreement with coalition partners to cut expenditures to address a Rs800 billion revenue shortfall.