RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has approved the deployment of 6,000 police personnel to Gilgit Baltistan to assist with security arrangements for the June 7 elections, according to official documents. The move comes amid renewed allegations from the PTI regarding pre-election irregularities in the region.
Initially, Punjab authorities sanctioned the deployment of 5,000 police officers, with a subsequent approval granted for an additional 1,000 personnel. Official notifications issued by the Punjab Assistant Inspector General (Operations) confirmed that the officers have been placed at the disposal of the Gilgit-Baltistan Police for election security duties.
Under the deployment plan, all personnel will be equipped with anti-riot gear. Police contingents travelling to Gilgit Baltistan will be transported in buses escorted by four armed officers each. The Punjab Police Motor Transport Department has been tasked with arranging suitable vehicles, while drivers familiar with the mountainous terrain will be assigned for the journey.
Meanwhile, PTI has alleged that a campaign of “systematic pre-poll rigging” is underway ahead of the elections. In a statement, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the federal government of using state resources to influence the electoral process and suppress opposition voices.
The party also criticised the Gilgit Baltistan Election Commission, claiming it had issued a notice to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khursheed over the use of her son’s photograph on campaign material. PTI further alleged that election officials had pressured candidates to abandon the party and contest elections under government-backed platforms.
PTI accused the ruling PML-N of violating the election code of conduct by maintaining a strong presence in the region through federal ministers, including Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The party claimed that while government representatives were actively campaigning, PTI lawmakers were being prevented from entering Gilgit-Baltistan.
Describing the region as a “virtual police state,” PTI argued that the deployment of Punjab Police and restrictions on its leaders reflected the government’s inability to compete in a free and fair election. The party warned that such measures could undermine public trust and create long-term resentment among the people of Gilgit Baltistan.
The allegations come amid a series of recent incidents involving PTI leaders. On Friday, several party figures, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PTI President and MNA Junaid Akbar, were expelled from Gilgit Baltistan while campaigning. PTI claimed the leaders were briefly detained, although the Gilgit-Baltistan government stated they were only removed for violating the election code of conduct.
A day later, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said he was unable to reach Islamabad Airport for a scheduled flight to Skardu after access routes were blocked, causing him to miss a campaign visit. He shared videos showing traffic congestion and interactions with police personnel near the airport.
Amid the ongoing controversy, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has written to the Chief Judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court, expressing concern over reports of restrictions and alleged harassment faced by PTI workers and leaders during the election campaign.