Pakistan Rejects India’s Remarks on Gilgit-Baltistan Elections, Reaffirms Kashmir Position (6/6/2026) - Islamabad, June 5, 2026: Pakistan has rejected India’s recent remarks regarding the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, describing the statements as “baseless” and reiterating its longstanding position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Pakistan said India’s comments on the June 7 elections in Gilgit-Baltistan …
Campaigning Ends as Gilgit-Baltistan Enters 48-Hour Election Silence Period Ahead of June 7 Polls (6/6/2026) - GILGIT: Election campaigning for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections officially ended at midnight on Friday, marking the start of a mandatory 48-hour silence period ahead of polling scheduled for June 7. With the deadline taking effect at 12:00am, all public meetings, rallies, processions, corner meetings and other forms of electioneering ceased across the region in accordance …
An Open Letter to the Respected Elders and Intellectuals of the Kalash Community (5/28/2026) - Respected elders and intellectuals, With utmost respect and sincerity, I wish to present a humble appeal to you regarding the preservation of the ancient civilization and unique cultural identity of the Kalash people. The Kalash community holds a distinctive place not only in Pakistan but across the world because of its rich traditions, ancient beliefs, …
Around 80,000 Ismailis Gather in Passu for Historic Didar of Shah Rahim Aga Khan V (5/23/2026) - HUNZA: Around 80,000 Ismailis gathered in the village of Passu, Hunza, on Thursday to attend a Didar of their spiritual leader, Shah Rahim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan V, marking his first major congregation with followers in the region since assuming leadership of the global Ismaili community. The Aga Khan arrived by helicopter in the scenic upper …
Tajik Scientists Warn of Rapid Glacier Loss in Pamirs, Raising Regional Water Security Concerns (5/22/2026) - Monitoring Desk A recent scientific expedition in Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains has revealed alarming glacier melt even at high altitudes previously considered relatively stable, according to researchers monitoring the country’s cryosphere. The findings emerged from Tajikistan’s first direct winter glacier measurements since independence, conducted between May 6 and 15 on Glacier No. 457 in the upper …
Gilgit-Baltistan Advocacy Forum Presses Candidates on Rights, Representation and Development (5/16/2026) - GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Advocacy Forum (GBAF) has issued a comprehensive Charter of Demands for candidates and political parties contesting the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections, urging them to prioritize constitutional reforms, women’s rights, climate resilience, youth employment, healthcare, and sustainable development in their election manifestos. In a letter addressed to all political parties and independent candidates, the …
GB Chief Court Orders Implementation of Verdict in KCBL CEO Case (5/13/2026) - GILGIT: The Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan has directed authorities to implement its earlier judgment in favor of Syed Ghulam Muhammad, former CEO and General Manager of Karakorum Cooperative Bank Limited (KCBL), in an ongoing legal dispute over his removal from office. The directive was issued during the hearing of Implementation Petition No. 217/2026. The Court …
Dain Bridge Rebuilt, But Risks Remain: Community Calls for Urgent Safeguards (5/11/2026) - By Mazhar Ali When the Dain Bridge collapsed in last year’s catastrophic cloudburst, the damage reached far beyond twisted metal and shattered concrete. It tore through the heart of the valley. Nearly 80 homes were consumed, entire families escaped with only minutes between them and the roaring flood, and fertile farmlands nurtured for generations disappeared …
Three Locals Killed, Two Policemen Injured as Thore Valley Operation Enters Second Day (5/10/2026) - CHILAS: Three local residents were killed and another wounded after a vehicle was fired upon near Thore Nala on Saturday, as a security operation against alleged militants in the Thore Valley of Diamer entered its second day. The deceased were identified as Muhammad, son of Ghazi Khan; Sawal Noor, son of Khazan; and Sher Alam, …
President Zardari Praises Aga Khan Development Network Contributions in Meeting With Prince Rahim Aga Khan V (5/20/2026) - ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Nur Khan Airbase during his official visit to Pakistan, marking his first trip to the country since assuming leadership of the Ismaili community following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025. According to a statement …