The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Wednesday raised concerns about alleged interference and irregularities ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, questioning the deployment of Punjab Police personnel in the region and the participation of federal and provincial ministers in election campaigning.
PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan objected to the deployment of Punjab Police in Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed reservations over the involvement of federal and provincial ministers in the election campaign.
“Punjab Police should remember that this is Gilgit-Baltistan. Punjabi behaviour cannot be tolerated here,” Chan said.
PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri also voiced concerns about the electoral process, saying the party was receiving complaints of interference and irregularities from various constituencies.
She said reports had emerged of transfers of administrative officers in some areas, while changes in voter lists had been reported in others.
Marri said the active participation of federal ministers in election campaigning had raised questions about the transparency of the electoral process.
Addressing the Chief Election Commissioner, she asked what measures had been taken so far to ensure an impartial electoral process.
She urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to immediately take notice of complaints regarding the use of government machinery and ensure equal opportunities for all political parties contesting the elections.
“The mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should be protected at all costs,” she said.
