Gilgit | Pakistan

• Suparco says obstructed floodplain could trigger overbank flooding, debris flows • Satellite imagery shows number of ‘unfrozen lakes’ increased from 24 to 40 in just two weeks ISLAMABAD: With the monsoon season now under way, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has raised concern over the uncontrolled spread of settlements along a natural glacial lake-fed stream near Gilgit city, warning that lives, property and livestock could be at risk. A comparison of satellite images from 2013 and 2023 clearly reveals the rapid and largely uncontrolled expansion of settlements along the natural stream near Gilgit city. The stream is fed by upstream glacial lakes within the catchment, making it highly sensitive to climate-induced hazards such as glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs). Over the past decade, urban growth has progressively encroached into the natural flood conveyance zone and alluvial fan of the stream, significantly reducing its capacity to safely accommodate high-magnitude...

Delegations of the PPP and the PML-N met in Gilgit-Baltistan to discuss proposals for forming a government in the region after the recent elections, the parties said on Thursday. The PPP is all set to form a government in the region after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legi­slative Assembly, according to unofficial results (Forms-47) of the June 7 elections. Key leaders of the PPP and the PML-N, which secured six seats, met in Gilgit to hold detailed deliberations on proposals related to the formation of the upcoming GB government. In its statement, the PPP claimed a “major breakthrough” in the process, saying that the parties decided to present the proposals for government formation to their respective central leadership. It said the discussions also pertained to political cooperation, along with various national and domestic issues. The PPP delegation asserted that the people of GB had given it the mandate by “making it the largest party”, its statement said. The party leaders stated t...

FUNERALS of several victims were held at the Markazi Imamia Masjid in Gilgit.—Photo by the writer • Prayers offered at Markazi Imamia Jamia Masjid Skardu and Central Imamia Masjid Gilgit • Three-day curfew imposed in both districts amid deteriorating law and order situation GILGIT: Funeral prayers for 13 people who were killed during protests after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were held in Skardu and Gilgit as authorities imposed a three-day curfew in both cities starting Monday to manage the prevailing law and order situation. A total of 13 people, including one security official, were killed during clashes on Sunday. Six people lost their lives in Skardu, while seven were killed in Gilgit. According to official and hospital sources, a young man who had sustained injuries during the protests in Gilgit succumbed to his wounds, raising the death toll to 13. More than 100 people were reported injured. Funeral prayers for five of the deceased were offered at the Ma­­rkazi I...

Eight volunteers killed in Gilgit landslide

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives following a landslide in Gilgit.

Eight local volunteers lost their lives in a massive landslide while repairing the flood-damaged Danyor Nullah in Gilgit, rescue officials said on Monday.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has cancelled six round-trip flights between Islamabad and the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu, according to ARY News.