CHILAS: On Tuesday, police officials prevented several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including the party’s Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, from entering Gilgit-Baltistan. The leaders were subsequently escorted back to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), party representatives.
Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan stated that the PTI members were not allowed to enter or move freely within the region and were deported to KP following directives from higher authorities. Alongside Salman Akram Raja, other PTI figures such as Shaukat Basra, Naeem Panjotha, and Zahir Babar were also sent back.
A police official featured in a video circulating on social media confirmed the orders, saying, “We have received instructions from above to send you back to your province.” Before their departure, Salman Akram Raja questioned the decision, particularly the expulsion of local residents who had accompanied the party leaders.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan arrived in Skardu to conduct an election campaign. He was warmly welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and led in a procession through various parts of the city. The convoy eventually reached a rally venue where he is scheduled to address the public ahead of the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections.
