In Gilgit-Baltistan’s GB-16 Diamer-II constituency, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has launched a vigorous protest against what it terms an unusual delay in the issuance of Form 48. This demonstration escalated to a blockade of the Karakoram Highway, severely disrupting traffic and stranding commuters.
The protest began with a sit-in outside the District Returning Officer (DRO) office in Chilas before the demonstrators moved onto the Karakoram Highway, the vital route connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan. The highway remained closed well into the night, causing extensive traffic jams and long lines of vehicles on both sides.
PPP officials expressed concerns that the delay in releasing Form 48 casts serious doubts on the transparency of the electoral process. They vowed to continue their protest until the document is issued openly and without further delay.
Election updates reveal that Form 47 for the constituency has already been issued, indicating independent candidate Syed Imam Malik leading by a slim margin of 24 votes. However, PPP candidate Attaullah has rejected these results and opposed the Election Commission’s order for re-polling at four polling stations scheduled for June 15.
In a significant development, the Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan mandated fresh polling in the disputed stations as part of resolving ongoing electoral conflicts. Attaullah countered this decision, stating that polling was conducted on June 7 with polling agents present and that Form 45 had been issued, which formed the basis for Form 47.
He further argued that only postal ballots remain to be counted and that delaying their inclusion while ordering re-polling is unjustifiable. “The re-polling decision is completely rejected. Form 47 has been prepared based on Form 45, and now only postal votes remain,” he asserted, emphasizing that the electoral process should be considered complete.
Meanwhile, the blockade of the Karakoram Highway has caused significant difficulties for travelers and transport operators, with extensive traffic congestion reported on both sides. The local administration has yet to reopen the highway, and negotiations with the protesters are ongoing amid escalating tensions in the area.
