Punjab greenlights 6,000 police deployment for GB polls as EC warns of strict action

• Polling security stepped up in GB amid allegations, counter-allegations between parties

• Punjab initially approves 5,000 personnel, later increases deployment to 6,000

• GB election chief warns candidates of disqualification over code violations, rejects PTI allegations

• Says KP CM Sohail Afridi's letter lacks legal standing and sought to influence electoral process

 ISLAMABAD/SKARDU: The Punjab authorities on Sunday approved the deployment of 6,000 Punjab Police personnel in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of the June 7 elections, as the region’s Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan warned of strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct and possible disqualification of candidates over violations amid intensifying political activity.

According to official sources, Punjab authorities had initially approved the deployment of 5,000 personnel, but later increased the figure to 6,000 for election security duties in Gilgit-Baltistan.

A memorandum issued by the Punjab Additional Inspector General (Operations) stated that 5,000 police personnel had been placed at the disposal of Gilgit-Baltistan Police for election security duties.

It further stated that the deployed personnel would be equipped with anti-riot gear, while each bus transporting them to Gilgit-Baltistan would be escorted by four armed police personnel.

The memo added that the Motor Transport Department’s Senior Superintendent of Police would arrange transport, ensuring that only roadworthy buses with valid fitness certificates were selected for the deployment.

It also noted that drivers assigned for the transport operation must be familiar with the difficult terrain leading to Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure safe transit.

Later, the Punjab AIG (Operations) issued a second memo confirming that an additional 1,000 police personnel had been placed at the disposal of Gilgit-Baltistan Police to strengthen election security arrangements.

‘No one will be allowed to obstruct election process’: GB election chief

Addressing a press conference, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said all political parties were violating the electoral code of conduct, which is clearly defined under the Election Act.

He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders had failed to obtain required no-objection certificates (NOCs) and were attempting to circulate “provocative content” during the campaign.

PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar have accused authorities of obstructing their election activities and restricting their movement in the region.

On Friday, Asad Qaiser said he was stopped from reaching Islamabad airport and missed his flight to Skardu for campaign activities, while Junaid Akbar was detained by Gilgit-Baltistan Police in Hunza during campaigning for allegedly not possessing an NOC.

The Chief Election Commissioner said cases would also be registered under the Code of Criminal Procedure against anyone obstructing the electoral process, adding that police had not arrested any PTI member in connection with the allegations.

He 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.”

Khan said the Election Commission was closely monitoring the entire electoral process and confirmed that police from other provinces would also be deployed for election security.

He further stated that the prime minister had obtained an NOC prior to his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, and said federal ministers who visited the region were also issued similar permissions.

The commissioner added that the prime minister and federal ministers were required to avoid political activity without prior approval, warning that action would be taken against anyone attempting to “tarnish or cast doubt on the elections.”

Responding to a letter from KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan seeking intervention, Khan said the letter was inappropriate and held no legal standing, adding that it amounted to an attempt to influence the electoral process.

He stressed that it was wrong to create unrest among the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, adding: “We are all united under one flag.”

He further reiterated that under the Election Act, federal ministers, chief ministers and governors are not permitted to participate in election campaigns.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections are scheduled for June 7, with political parties intensifying campaigning across the region as polling approaches later this week.

Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was expected to arrive in Skardu on Sunday to formally launch his party’s campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has also stepped up its political activities, with senior leaders scheduled to address public gatherings across the region.