The Punjab government has sanctioned the deployment of 6,000 police personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to support security arrangements for the upcoming elections scheduled on June 7. Official notifications released on Sunday detail this significant security measure.
Initially, a contingent of 5,000 officers was assigned to assist the GB police in maintaining order during the electoral process. This was later supplemented by an additional 1,000 personnel, as authorized in a subsequent notification by the Punjab police’s Assistant Inspector General (Operations).
These officers will be outfitted with anti-riot equipment and transported to the region via buses, which will be escorted by armed police units. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that all vehicles are in proper working condition and are driven by personnel familiar with the challenging mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has voiced serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process. PTI claims there is systematic pre-poll rigging and political interference aimed at undermining opposition participation. Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI’s Information Secretary, accused the federal government of manipulating the elections through misuse of state resources and suppressing opposition voices.
PTI also criticized the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission for issuing a notice to the mother of former GB Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed over the display of his photograph on campaign materials. Additionally, the party alleges that some candidates have been pressured to distance themselves from PTI and instead run under government-backed parties.
Further allegations include claims that federal ministers, such as Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, are exerting influence over the local administration, while PTI lawmakers reportedly face restrictions on entering Gilgit-Baltistan.
In response, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan assured that no candidate or political party would face discrimination during the election process. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized strict adherence to the election code of conduct and warned that any violations would be dealt with promptly and impartially.
Khan highlighted that the commission’s foremost responsibility is to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections. A monitoring mechanism has been established, empowering officers to take immediate action against any breaches of the code of conduct. Without mentioning any party by name, he cautioned that certain elements are attempting to disrupt the electoral process and foment unrest, actions that violate both the election code and the Pakistan Penal Code.
The Gilgit-Baltistan elections are set to proceed on June 7 amid a tense political atmosphere, with competing claims over the transparency and fairness of the electoral proceedings.
