PPP protest over GBA-16 result blocks Karakoram Highway in Chilas

GILGIT: Supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party blocked the Karakoram Highway at several points in Chilas on Saturday in protest over the notified result of the GBA-16 Diamer-II constituency, disrupting traffic between Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

The road blockade began at about 10am and was continuing till Saturday evening. Long lines of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway as movement remained suspended.

The protest followed the Election Commission’s notification on Friday night declaring independent candidate Imam Malik successful from the constituency. PPP supporters and the party’s candidate from GBA-16, Attaullah Khan, alleged that the result was issued without preparation of Form 49 and before postal ballots had been counted.

Attaullah’s supporters had already been staging a protest outside the office of the district returning officer in Chilas, demanding implementation of directions issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan chief election commissioner.

PPP raises objections to result process

Attaullah had earlier approached the Election Commission seeking issuance of the consolidated result and suspension of the chief election commissioner’s earlier order for re-polling at three polling stations.

On Wednesday, the GB chief election commissioner directed that preparation of the consolidated result should begin after counting of postal ballots, while also suspending his previous re-polling order for the three stations.

Attaullah described the process as illegal and unjust. He said the legal procedure had not been completed before Imam Malik was declared the returned candidate. He also said the official gazette had still not been issued within the period prescribed under election laws.

"According to the election laws, the official gazette must be issued within 14 days of polling, which has not been done yet,"

He further maintained that the GB chief election commissioner had made a premature decision by accepting Malik as a member of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party.

IPP announces Malik’s joining

On Saturday morning, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party announced that Imam Malik had joined the party. The development came hours after he was notified as the successful candidate.

The protesters contended that the GB chief election commissioner had declared Malik the returned candidate without completion of the legal requirements laid down for the constituency.

PPP leadership alleges attempt to block government formation

PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari said the party had secured a clear majority of 17 to 19 seats, including reserved and technocrat seats, and alleged that efforts were being made to prevent it from moving ahead.

Speaking on the issue, Bukhari said the electoral process in Gilgit-Baltistan was not being conducted in line with the Constitution and the law.

"An attempt is being made to block the path of the PPP,"

Bukhari also said the IPP leadership had met the PPP and sought government positions in exchange for support in the formation of the government. He added that the PPP leadership would decide how the government would be formed and whom it would include in any alliance.