KP CM seeks judicial intervention over alleged 'pre-poll restrictions' in Gilgit-Baltistan

PESHAWAR/GILGIT: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Saturday urged the judiciary to intervene in what he termed a “deeply concerning” electoral environment in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of the June 7 elections, alleging that opposition parties were facing restrictions on political activities and election campaigning.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan, the chief minister called for immediate judicial action to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the region.

The appeal came a day after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan was detained by Gilgit-Baltistan Police in Hunza while campaigning for the upcoming polls.

CM raises concerns over election environment

In his letter, Afridi described reports emerging from Gilgit-Baltistan as “extremely concerning”, claiming that a political party was being subjected to unnecessary restrictions on public gatherings, election campaigns and the movement of its leadership and workers.

“There are reports of political workers being harassed, unlawfully arrested and prevented from carrying out political activities,” the chief minister wrote.

He warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could undermine the credibility, transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process.

Afridi emphasized that the Constitution guarantees every citizen and political party the right to participate in free, fair, transparent and impartial elections.

“Any deviation from these constitutional and democratic principles is not only a violation of the Constitution but also contrary to democratic values,” he stated.

Call for judicial oversight

The chief minister urged the court to issue clear directions to all relevant institutions to ensure an impartial electoral process and immediately halt any alleged harassment, arrests or restrictions targeting political workers and leaders.

He also called for equal opportunities for all political parties to conduct election campaigns without discrimination and demanded swift action against any violations of constitutional and democratic rights.

Appealing for judicial intervention, Afridi said the judiciary’s timely action would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and safeguard democratic norms.

“I request the court to use its constitutional authority to ensure the rule of law, protect democratic values and uphold public trust in the electoral process,” he said.

A copy of the letter was also sent to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.

Opposition parties condemn restrictions

Later, leaders of PTI and members of the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan held a joint press conference criticizing the alleged restrictions.

Addressing reporters, Qaiser argued that while leaders of other political parties were freely conducting election campaigns in Gilgit-Baltistan, PTI representatives were facing obstacles.

“Stopping us while allowing others to go is discrimination in politics,” he said.

The former National Assembly speaker also referred to the detention of Junaid Akbar Khan, describing it as part of a broader pattern of political interference.

He appealed to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to actively participate in the elections and safeguard their votes.

“I appeal to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan that you must cast your vote and also protect your vote,” he said.

Qaiser also called upon the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, arguing that the credibility of the elections depended upon equal treatment of all contestants.

Political leaders voice concerns

Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas also criticized the reported restrictions, describing them as inconsistent with democratic norms and political freedoms.

In a statement, he said that while federal ministers and leaders of other parties were openly campaigning across Gilgit-Baltistan, PTI and allied opposition leaders appeared to be facing disproportionate restrictions.

The allegations have added a new dimension to the political atmosphere ahead of the June 7 elections, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency, equal political opportunities and judicial oversight to ensure that the electoral process remains credible and democratic.