By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD — Political tensions intensified ahead of the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed several of its senior leaders were prevented from entering the region and forcibly escorted out by authorities, raising fresh concerns over what the party described as an uneven electoral environment.
The elections in Gilgit-Baltistan are scheduled for June 7 following a delay of several months due to severe winter conditions. With campaigning entering its final phase, PTI leaders have accused authorities of restricting their political activities and preventing party representatives from reaching voters.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that he, along with senior party figures Shaukat Basra, Naeem Panjutha and Zaheer Babar, was stopped shortly after entering Gilgit-Baltistan and prevented from travelling further.
According to Raja, police personnel intercepted the group within the jurisdiction of a police station in Diamer district before escorting them out of the region.
In statements issued after the incident, Raja alleged that authorities had prior knowledge of his travel plans and claimed officials informed him they had instructions not to allow him and his colleagues to continue their journey.
The PTI leader argued that such actions amounted to restrictions on political activity and constitutional rights, maintaining that party supporters in the region should be allowed to participate freely in the democratic process.
Raja further alleged that police vehicles accompanied the delegation until they reached Babusar Top before turning back.
Another senior PTI leader, Shaukat Basra, claimed that the party was facing obstacles because of what he described as growing public support for PTI in the region. He alleged that local workers and student activists who had gathered to receive party leaders were also detained.
PTI’s central information secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, strongly criticised the developments, arguing that the restrictions resembled measures the party previously claimed were used during the 2024 general elections.
According to PTI officials, administrative barriers, movement restrictions and requirements related to no-objection certificates were creating difficulties for party workers and candidates during the election campaign.
The party further alleged that rival political groups, particularly the ruling coalition parties, were receiving administrative support and greater freedom to campaign.
The accusations come as major political parties intensify election activity across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Earlier on Tuesday, senior political leaders addressed rallies across the region as rival parties attempted to consolidate support ahead of polling day.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for constitutional rights and protections for Gilgit-Baltistan comparable to those enjoyed by provinces under the 18th Amendment.
Meanwhile, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif addressed supporters in Gilgit, focusing on development issues and promising discussions with the federal government regarding infrastructure improvements, including airport expansion.
With only days remaining before voting, the political atmosphere in Gilgit-Baltistan continues to grow increasingly competitive, with allegations of political interference and demands for fair campaigning likely to remain central issues until polling day.
PTI claims several senior leaders were expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of June 7 elections, alleging restrictions on campaigning and lack of a level playing field.
