Author: Tanveer Ahmed
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Nazir Ahmad Advocate resigned from the basic membership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and joined the Pakistan Peoples Party. He formally announced his decision at a ceremony in Gilgit, where senior PPP leaders, including Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Nadeem Afzal Chan and former governor Qamar Zaman Kaira, were also present along with other party figures. Nazir Ahmad Advocate, who belongs to district Ghizer, was elected to the assembly from constituency GBA-20 on a PTI ticket in the 2020 general elections. He was later elected as speaker in June 2023 after a successful no-confidence motion against former…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: The election schedule for reserved seats for women and technocrats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly was revised after requests from several political parties, officials said. The office of the returning officer issued a notification outlining the updated timetable, following formal written appeals from parties including the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Pakistan Muslim League. The chief election commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan approved the extension to allow broader political participation. According to the notification issued by Rahim Gul, secretary of law and prosecution and the presiding returning officer, political parties were to submit their priority lists and nomination…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: A delegation from the Peace Committee met with Major General Syed Imtiaz Gillani on Tuesday to express concern over recent unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan and to reaffirm their support for maintaining regional stability. The committee described the disturbances as regrettable and harmful to local peace, stressing that those responsible for disrupting law and order must be held accountable under the law. They highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony and social cohesion, emphasizing the role of religious leaders, civil society, and youth in fostering unity. Participants welcomed the government’s decision to establish a judicial commission to investigate the…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) commander Maj Gen Syed Imtiaz Gillani visited Shigar district in Gilgit-Baltistan, where he met families of martyrs and community leaders and stressed national unity and dialogue amid regional challenges. The visit focused on peace, stability, and the role of local communities in maintaining harmony. During the visit on Saturday, the FCNA commander met families of martyred soldiers, retired military personnel, and local elders. He expressed grief over recent developments in the region and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. Referring to the changing global environment, he said the situation…
By Tanveer Ahmad GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet has pledged strict action against those responsible for the violence that erupted in Gilgit and Skardu on 1 March, following the launch of a high-level judicial inquiry into the incidents. The cabinet condemned the unrest and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, including both security personnel and civilians, extending condolences to the families affected. The special cabinet meeting, held at the Chief Minister Secretariat, was jointly chaired by Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam. Officials briefed the gathering that during…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Gilgit-Baltistan arrested a police officer from Jutial Police Station on Wednesday for allegedly accepting a bribe, officials said. The arrest was made during a trap raid conducted on a tip-off. According to ACE officials, the officer had detained a truck driver over a blocked identity card and later demanded a bribe for his release. Acting on a complaint, the anti-corruption team carried out a swift operation and caught the officer red-handed while receiving the bribe money. The suspect was taken into custody and shifted to the Anti-Corruption Police Station for further investigation.…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: Heavy rainfall in Upper Kohistan has caused severe landslides along the Karakoram Highway, blocking several key routes and cutting off the region’s road connection with the rest of Pakistan. Officials reported that rescue and repair teams have been dispatched to clear debris and restore traffic, but many areas remain inaccessible. The road closures have left hundreds of passengers and cargo vehicles stranded, forming long queues on the affected stretches. Authorities have urged travelers to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential journeys until the highways are fully cleared and deemed safe. Local administrations are closely monitoring the…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (R) Yar Muhammad on Sunday visited Skardu to inspect damage to government and private properties that were set ablaze during recent unrest in the city. He was accompanied by Force Command Northern Areas Commander Maj Gen Syed Imtiaz Gillani, Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza and Inspector General of Police Dr. Akbar Nasir. The delegation reviewed the situation and assessed losses caused during the disturbances. Speaking on the occasion, Yar Muhammad termed the incidents deeply unfortunate and stressed the need for collective efforts to curb intolerance in society. He urged religious…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: The Department of Tourism, Sports and Culture Gilgit-Baltistan highlighted the region’s tourism potential at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) Berlin 2026, one of the world’s leading tourism exhibitions held in Berlin, Germany from March 3 to 5. The event brought together thousands of tourism organizations, travel companies, and industry stakeholders from around 180 countries. The Gilgit-Baltistan delegation showcased the area’s stunning natural landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and adventure tourism opportunities, drawing significant interest and appreciation from international participants. Under the Gilgit-Baltistan Rules of Business 2009, promoting tourist destinations and marketing tourism products globally is a core…
By Tanveer Ahmed GILGIT: Authorities in Gilgit announced that the days-long curfew in the city will be lifted from midnight Wednesday, citing an improvement in the security situation. However, all schools will remain closed until March 8. The curfew, imposed after recent unrest, will end at 12:00 am PST, allowing government offices to reopen on Thursday. Provincial Home Secretary Captain (retd.) Mushtaq Ahmed said the decision followed a review of law and order conditions. Restrictions under Section 144, banning public gatherings, rallies, and processions, will remain in force. Residents are permitted to resume routine activities, but precautionary measures will continue…