Govt, PTI clash over alleged curbs on GB election campaign

ISLAMABAD: The government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have exchanged accusations over alleged restrictions on electioneering in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of the June 7 vote for 24 assembly seats, as political activity intensifies across the region.

Campaigning gathered pace on Tuesday with senior leaders of major parties reaching Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit on a brief visit, while Pakistan Peoples Party leader Aseefa Bhutto Zardari travelled to Skardu to address an election rally in constituency GBA-7.

Government rejects PTI allegations

Speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah rejected PTI’s claims of discrimination. He said Nawaz Sharif had travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan after securing the necessary no-objection certificate from the relevant election authorities.

Rana Sanaullah said no federal minister had gone to Gilgit-Baltistan for campaigning and maintained that there had been no official intervention in the electoral process. He also said PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan was holding public meetings and gatherings in the region without obstruction, and argued that other PTI leaders could do the same if they completed the required legal formalities.

"If Barrister Gohar can travel there after obtaining permission, then Salman Akram Raja should do the same," he said.

The PML-N leader also said PTI had no candidate directly in the field and asserted that the elections would be free, fair and credible.

PTI alleges selective restrictions

Responding to the government’s position, PTI leader Shafi Jan alleged that every political party except PTI was being allowed to run its campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were actively campaigning in the region and claimed that if a PTI minister had taken part in similar activity, the Election Commission would have acted immediately.

Referring to the election watchdog, he said: "The Election Commission's silence is difficult to understand."

Shafi Jan also criticised the cancellation of PTI’s alliance with the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Movement, alleging that candidates linked to the party had been compelled to contest as independents. He further questioned the alleged curbs on PTI workers, saying that if the party had truly lost support, there would be no reason to stop its members from campaigning openly in the region.

The PTI leader also warned against what he described as efforts to predetermine the election outcome, alleging preparations for another Form 47 operation and saying the party would oppose any move to manipulate the electoral process.