G-B power deal raises democratic concerns

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) may have agreed to form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan and finalised a power-sharing formula, but PML-N's decision to sit on the opposition benches while supporting the government has drawn criticism from leading political analysts, who described the arrangement as a bizarre proposition and a mockery of parliamentary norms. Former caretaker Punjab chief minister Hasan Askari Rizvi said a leader of the opposition belonging to the government is akin to making a mockery of the parliamentary system. "This is a personalised rule, though there is no authority that can check such distortions. It is interesting that the three major players in G-B are allies in the central government in Islamabad. That says everything about this current hybrid system." Commenting on the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Rizvi noted that despite failing to win a single seat in Gilgit-Baltistan, the party effectively received five seats after independent candidates joined its ranks. He said the gift of seats should not be overinterpreted, as the party was unlikely to receive similar political gains elsewhere in the country. Independents joining a relatively unknown party at a time when both the ruling party and one of its principal allies were fully active in the electoral arena was, in his view, an extremely rare occurrence and virtually unprecedented in Pakistani politics. Senior journalist and political commentator Mazhar Hussain said that when the ruling alliance itself makes no secret of the hybrid nature of the system, no political development, regardless of how unusual, should come as a surprise. "Democracy only exists in name" Recalling the political developments of 1992, he said Muzaffar Hussain Shah became chief minister of Sindh despite the PPP holding the majority, followed by the MQM. "He interestingly was from neither of two." He argued that discussing democratic norms and ethics had become largely pointless. "We have political parties, elections and parliament but no democracy." Regarding the IPP, Hussain said he believed the party had been awarded these seats by the powers that be as a counterweight to the PPP. "To ensure that PPP functions as per their whims, for in-case-otherwise situation, an alliance with remaining parties to bringing in a new government, is a threat that they have left dangling on PPP's head." Political scientist and Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) President Ahmad Bilal Mehboob said PML-N's decision to occupy the opposition benches effectively deprives genuine opposition members of their voice, as its alliance with the government also makes it a partner in the incoming administration. He observed that such situations can arise in democracies, although they remain politically contentious. Commenting on the IPP, Mehboob said so-called "king's parties" have historically benefited from such political advantages, adding that there was nothing particularly surprising about the development in countries like Pakistan. He said the political windfall would enhance the IPP's stature across the country and demonstrated that the party continued to enjoy relevance within influential power circles.

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Child's death exposes flood safety lapses

The tragic death of a nine-year-old boy, who drowned after falling into an uncovered stormwater drain during the season's first pre-monsoon rainfall, has exposed serious shortcomings in flood preparedness and public safety measures across Rawalpindi. The victim, Wisal, fell into a rainwater drain approximately 10 feet deep and seven feet wide near Kacha Stop on Khalid Bin Waleed Road in the Westridge-III area, where the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad meet. He was swept away by the fast-flowing water during heavy rainfall. Wisal's funeral was held in his ancestral village in Mohmand Agency, Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Saturday. According to residents and shopkeepers, the drain, which runs for nearly half a kilometre alongside a busy market, has neither protective railings nor a concrete cover. They claim motorcyclists and pedestrians frequently fall into the drain because of the lack of safety barriers, although most escape unharmed when water levels are low. During the heavy downpour, however, the drain was flowing at full capacity, leaving the child little chance of survival. The latest incident has also raised concerns over the emergency response. According to sources, rescue teams searched a 500-foot stretch of the drain using five-foot bamboo poles and mobile phone flashlights, reportedly lacking essential equipment such as high-powered torches, specialised rescue machinery and protective gear. A survey of the surrounding area conducted by The Express Tribune found that numerous manholes remained uncovered, with some measuring up to 20 feet in depth. In addition, officials said that none of the city's 15 seasonal drainage channels had undergone comprehensive desilting or clearance before the onset of the monsoon. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that rescue agencies had not received adequate funding, machinery or equipment over the past five years despite repeated requests, warning that similar tragedies could occur unless urgent improvements are made. In response to the incident and the approaching monsoon season, the 111 Brigade of the Pakistan Army has been placed on red alert until August 15. An Army major will oversee operations from the Central Flood Control Room, while military teams equipped with life jackets, high-powered rescue boats, ropes and modern rescue equipment will remain on standby. Army teams are also scheduled to inspect vulnerable locations along the 18-kilometre Nullah Lai and other seasonal drains next week. Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak and Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema will accompany military representatives during the inspection. The Army will continue monitoring identified high-risk locations throughout the flood season. Meanwhile, five flood relief camps are expected to be established next week as part of the city's monsoon preparedness plan.

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SC orders protection of female students

The Supreme Court has ordered all inspectors general of police (IGPs) to devise and implement effective mechanisms for the protection of girls attending schools, colleges, and universities, particularly regarding complaints of harassment, stalking, and other offences. In an 18-page judgment authored by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar while hearing an appeal against a death sentence awarded to a sweeper for raping a 10-year-old schoolgirl, the court emphasized that such complaints must be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and acted upon without delay. The judgment, a copy of which was also circulated to all high courts, lower courts, federal and provincial law officers, and all IGPs, directed that visible patrolling must be ensured around educational institutions, public transport facilities, bus stops, and routes used by female students. "All Provincial Inspectors General of Police and the Inspector General, Islamabad Capital Territory Police, shall devise and implement effective mechanisms for the protection of girls attending schools, colleges, and universities. "Particular attention shall be paid to complaints of harassment under Section 509 PPC, stalking, and other precursor offences against women and children. Such complaints shall be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and acted upon without delay. "Visible patrolling shall be ensured around educational institutions, public transport facilities, bus stops, and routes commonly used by female students. Preventive policing, rather than post-crime reaction, must become the governing principle in matters affecting the safety of girls," it stated. The court lamented that a child of merely ten years was not safe even within a school environment, a place expected to provide security, learning, and protection, and instead became a victim of sexual violence. It said the case compelled the court to examine the broader question of safety for girls in educational institutions and during their commute, stating that acts of harassment, stalking, intimidation, and sexual misconduct often begin with conduct already recognized as criminal under law. It noted that Section 509 PPC criminalizes conduct intended to insult the modesty of a woman, invade her privacy, or subject her to harassment, adding that the provision also places an obligation on law enforcement agencies to respond promptly and effectively. The court stressed that early police intervention at the harassment stage may prevent escalation into more serious offences. "If a child is not secure in an educational institution, or while travelling to and from it, the constitutional promise of education, dignity, equality, and personal security becomes illusory," it added. The judgment further held that the state's obligation is not limited to establishing educational institutions but extends equally to ensuring that girls can attend them free from fear, intimidation, harassment, and violence. On medico-legal infrastructure, the court observed that the quality of medico-legal examination, documentation, and testimony is critical in sexual offence prosecutions and depends on a trained, dedicated, and properly resourced medico-legal service. It referred to the Sindh Medico Legal Act, 2023 as a legislative model providing for a regulated medico-legal service, a directorate for its administration, and criteria for appointment of medico-legal officers. The judgment suggested that the federal and provincial governments may adopt similar frameworks to establish a dedicated medico-legal cadre with structured training in forensic examination of sexual violence victims, adequate appointment of women medical officers, and coordination with forensic science agencies. The court directed the Attorney General for Pakistan, all provincial advocate generals, health departments, and police authorities to consider the observations for implementation in accordance with law.

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PPP, PML-N come to agreement on forming G-B govt together

The Pakistan Peoples Party announced on Saturday that it and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had come to an agreement on forming the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan together.  In a post on X, the PPP said: "Following detailed consultations, mutual trust and consensus between the local leadership and organisations of the PPP and PML-N in Gilgit-Baltistan, a decision has been made to form a government under political collaboration. Both parties have expressed their resolve to move forward together, prioritising political stability, public welfare and well-being, and the promotion of democratic values." گلگت بلتستان میں پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی اور مسلم لیگ (ن) کی مقامی قیادت اور تنظیموں کے درمیان تفصیلی مشاورت، باہمی اعتماد اور اتفاقِ رائے کے بعد سیاسی اشتراک کے تحت حکومت کے قیام کا فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے، دونوں جماعتوں نے سیاسی استحکام، عوامی فلاح و بہبود اور جمہوری اقدار کے فروغ کو… pic.twitter.com/w9JRfdCk62 — Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) June 20, 2026 It said it would get the seat of chief minister while the governor, opposition leader and deputy speaker of the G-B Assembly would go to the PML-N. "The public mandate formula agreed upon between the two parties is a manifestation of mutual consultation and political harmony. The PPP and PML-N agree that political stability is essential to address the challenges facing the country and particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, resolve public issues, accelerate the development process, and further strengthen democratic institutions. "Both parties have reaffirmed their commitment that they will work together, rising above personal and party interests, for national interest, public service, and the strengthening and prosperity of Pakistan. This decision to form a coalition government is seen as an important step toward promoting political tolerance, national unity, and democratic continuity, through which effective, stable, and people-friendly governance will be ensured in Gilgit-Baltistan," the statement said. The PPP has secured the majority of seats emerge as the largest party in the 24-member assembly, followed by the PML-N with six seats. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has emerged as the third-largest parliamentary group after four independent candidates elected on different constituencies joined its ranks. At the national level, the post-election situation had prompted political coordination between parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had congratulated the PPP on its position as the leading party in G-B and indicated that the PML-N would sit in the opposition, while supporting the PPP in forming the government. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had welcomed the development, describing it as a continuation of democratic norms and expressing gratitude for the cooperation. He said his party would focus on addressing governance challenges and public concerns in the region.

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Breakthrough as govt, PTI back dialogue

As tax exemptions for the merged tribal districts are set to expire at the end of the month, the government on Friday moved to reassure the opposition that it would seek an extension from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while both sides also used a rare face-to-face meeting to discuss broader political dialogue and democratic engagement. The breakthrough came after senior government and PTI leaders met at Parliament House following concerns raised by the opposition in the National Assembly over the impending expiry of tax waivers for the erstwhile Fata and Pata regions. The government said it would take up the matter with the IMF, while PTI signalled its willingness to engage in dialogue and even consider a broader democratic charter. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had assured the opposition that efforts would be made to secure an extension of the tax exemptions. "The finance minister has promised [the opposition] that he will seek to extend these exemptions after speaking with the IMF, and God-willing, will make efforts for it," Sanaullah said. The meeting took place in Aurangzeb's chamber and was attended by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam from the government side, while PTI leaders Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar and party MNAs from the erstwhile tribal districts represented the opposition. Sanaullah said PTI lawmakers had raised the issue of the tax exemptions before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during proceedings of the National Assembly earlier in the day, prompting the premier to direct him, Aurangzeb and Amir Muqam to immediately engage with the opposition. According to Sanaullah, Muqam had already been actively pursuing the matter and the government remained hopeful that the exemptions could be extended after taking the IMF into confidence. Apart from the tax issue, the meeting also touched on the broader political environment, with Sanaullah stressing that dialogue remained essential to democratic politics. "This is the foundation of democracy," he said. Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's standing offer for negotiations and a proposed "Charter of Pakistan", Sanaullah urged the opposition to engage. "That offer should be accepted. You should hold a dialogue with the prime minister. "You can discuss any issue you want to. He is willing to listen and discuss any subject," the adviser said. Describing the opposition's response as encouraging, Sanaullah said PTI representatives informed the government that consultations were underway within the party and that a decision would be reached soon. He also appreciated the opposition's support for a unanimously adopted National Assembly resolution earlier in the day, which praised Pakistan's leadership for its role in facilitating the recent US-Iran peace agreement. Commenting on PTI founder Imran Khan's health, Sanaullah said the former prime minister, who is undergoing treatment for an eye ailment while incarcerated at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, was receiving the "best treatment available in Pakistan". He added that Khan remained in judicial custody and that any release could only come through the courts. Turning to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sanaullah said the "heinous conspiracy to create agitation and interrupt the freedom movement for a free [occupied] Kashmir has been brought under control". He expressed hope that the "slight interruption in supply [chains]" would be resolved within a week. PTI's response Speaking after the meeting, PTI leader Asad Qaiser welcomed the prospect of democratic engagement and said his party was prepared to support a broader political understanding. "We are ready for talks at all times for true democracy," he said. Qaiser said PTI would be willing to sign a "Charter of Democracy", provided it guaranteed equal political rights and institutional independence. "There should be no [political] vendetta against anyone, the judiciary should be independent and the parliament should be strengthened," he said. He confirmed that both sides had also discussed the proposed federal budget and conveyed their concerns directly to the finance minister. Among those concerns, he highlighted a proposed tax on tobacco and warned that certain fiscal measures could further damage economic activity at a time when trade with Afghanistan remained suspended. He said some of the proposed steps would "ruin whatever economy is left". Responding to a question, Qaiser noted that the engagement had not been initiated by one side alone. The meeting, he said, was held at the desire of both the government and the opposition.

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US-Iran deal shifts to crucial next phase

The United States and Iran have formally brought into effect the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a landmark agreement brokered through Pakistan's mediation that is being viewed as a major diplomatic breakthrough after months of intensive negotiations and repeated setbacks. The agreement was finalised through electronic signatures by the leaderships of the United States and Iran, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signing as the mediating party. The virtual signing replaced a formal ceremony that had been planned at the Burgenstock resort near Zurich, where senior representatives from all three countries were expected to attend. Reporting for Express 24/7 from Zurich, senior anchorperson Fahad Husain said that preparations for the high-profile event had been completed and advance teams from Pakistan, the United States and Iran had already arrived in Switzerland for the ceremony which was to feature US Vice President JD Vance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, the leaders ultimately chose to sign the memorandum electronically, making the planned event unnecessary. Husain stressed that despite the cancellation of the ceremony, the most significant objective had already been achieved. "The agreement has been signed, entered into force and established a framework for future negotiations between Washington and Tehran," he said. He noted that Pakistan's role as mediator has been formally acknowledged in the document, reflecting Islamabad's contribution to bringing both sides to the negotiating table. The agreement marks the culmination of a diplomatic process that spanned more than three months and frequently appeared on the verge of collapse. According to Husain, many observers had opined that the effort would fail, but Pakistan continued to pursue dialogue despite mounting challenges and pressure from multiple sides. He said foreign diplomats and officials in Switzerland have openly recognised Pakistan's efforts, describing the outcome as the result of sustained diplomacy, perseverance and strategic engagement.

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Constable arrested for murder of Sikh couple in K-P's Mardan

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police on Thursday claimed to have solved the high-profile double murder of a Sikh couple in Baboo Mohalla, Mardan, after arresting a serving police constable who allegedly carried out the killings over a personal grievance stemming from his transfer from a gurdwara security assignment. Addressing a press conference, Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmad Bangash said the suspect was arrested within 24 hours of the incident following an intensive investigation. According to police, the suspect allegedly shot dead Jagannath, a sevadar (caretaker) at a local gurdwara, and his wife, Asawanti, at their residence in Baboo Mohalla on Wednesday. Senior police officials attended the press briefing. Read More: Sikh caretaker couple gunned down in Mardan The DPO said investigators collected evidence from the crime scene and analysed CCTV footage, mobile phone records, and other technical data to identify and trace the suspect. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had previously been posted at the gurdwara but was transferred around three years ago. Police believe he harboured resentment over the transfer and allegedly committed the murders out of personal animosity and a desire for revenge. Bangash said the arrest was made possible through coordinated efforts by investigation teams, who examined all aspects of the case before apprehending the suspect. He added that further investigations were underway and assured that the case would be pursued strictly on merit. Police plan to submit a comprehensive charge sheet to the court to ensure the suspect was brought to justice. The killings had triggered widespread concern among members of the Sikh community and the wider public.

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