PTI alleges 'pre-poll rigging' in GB elections, claims state misuse ahead of June 7 vote

• PTI alleges state machinery being used to influence electoral outcome

• Party claims candidates pressured to leave PTI and join ruling-backed parties

• PTI says opposition leaders facing restrictions while ruling parties operate freely

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday alleged “systematic pre-poll rigging” ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections scheduled for June 7, claiming that the government was “brazenly misusing state resources to suppress democratic voices and undermine the electoral process.”

In a statement issued by PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, the party accused the federal government of engineering what it termed “pre-poll rigging,” asserting that state machinery was being used to tilt the electoral playing field even before voting begins.

As the polling day approaches, multiple political parties have raised concerns over campaign-related restrictions and the broader electoral environment, citing issues ranging from alleged pre-poll irregularities and detentions to curbs on political activity.

PTI also condemned what it described as the “partisan and unacceptable conduct” of the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission, alleging that the commission had issued a notice to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khursheed over the display of his photograph on campaign posters.

It further claimed that election officials had contacted candidates and issued threats directing them to abandon PTI and contest elections on tickets of government-backed parties.

The party accused the PML-N of violating the election code of conduct, alleging that federal ministers including Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar were “stationed in the region to influence the local administration.”

PTI further claimed that while opposition parliamentarians were being prevented from entering Gilgit-Baltistan, ruling party figures were being allowed free political activity.

It alleged that the Election Commission remained “inexplicably silent” on violations by the ruling party while selectively targeting PTI candidates and their families, saying this reflected a “selective approach” that turned the commission into a “tool of the regime.”

“The ruling elite is in complete panic. By converting GB into a virtual police state, deploying Punjab Police, and imposing unconstitutional barriers, they have openly admitted their inability to face the people in a free and fair election,” the statement said.

PTI warned that Gilgit-Baltistan was a “highly sensitive region” and alleged that “brazen pre-poll rigging and repression” would damage the peaceful environment and create long-term resentment among the population.

It added that such grievances “will endure for generations,” and maintained that the government could not suppress the will of the people.

“The regime’s fear-mongering actions will only hasten its own downfall,” the statement added, demanding a level playing field, an end to political victimisation, and restoration of genuine democratic rights in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The party also urged civil society and human rights organisations to take notice of what it called “blatant undemocratic and unconstitutional measures.”

GB Election Commission response and related developments

Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said PTI leaders had failed to obtain the required no-objection certificates (NOCs) and had attempted to circulate “provocative content” during the campaign.

He said cases would be registered under the Code of Criminal Procedure against those obstructing the electoral process, adding that police had not arrested any PTI member in connection with the allegations.

The commissioner warned that social media was being used to “make the election controversial” ahead of polling, adding: “Enough is enough — I will now disqualify candidates for violations of the Code of Conduct.”

On Friday, several PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PTI president and MNA Junaid Akbar, were expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan while campaigning for the upcoming elections.

PTI accounts and leaders claimed that Akbar and his companions were briefly detained before being expelled. However, the Gilgit-Baltistan government stated that no arrests were made and that the leaders were only expelled for violating the election code of conduct.

On Saturday, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser said he was unable to reach Islamabad airport in time for a scheduled flight to Skardu, alleging that access routes to the airport had been blocked, causing him to miss his campaign visit.

He also shared videos showing long queues of vehicles near the airport entrance and footage of a conversation with individuals he identified as Punjab Police officials, requesting clearance for passengers.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi wrote to the Chief Judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court, expressing concern over reports of restrictions and alleged harassment of PTI leaders and workers during the election campaign.