Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The beleaguered Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on Tuesday levelled serious allegations of electoral malpractice in Gilgit-Baltistan, drawing comparisons with rigging during the February 8, 2024 general elections. PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned what he described as “blatant rigging and grave violations of the electoral process” in the region. He claimed that party leaders, including PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, were barred from entering Gilgit-Baltistan and were turned back by authorities, echoing tactics used against PTI leadership ahead of the 2024 national elections. According to him, police personnel are reportedly stationed with lists of PTI-affiliated individuals, identifying and preventing them from entering the region on the basis of names and photographs. He described this as a “clear violation of the constitution and democratic principles.” Furthermore, he alleged that a systematic campaign of administrative hurdles is being carried out under the pretext of issuing no objection certificates (NOCs), mirroring the restrictions PTI faced in 2024. He said PTI candidates and leadership are being deliberately denied NOCs, restricting their election campaign activities, including public rallies, processions, and corner meetings. “The government machinery is working on a specific agenda,” he added, suggesting that administrative measures are aimed at pre-poll rigging and vote manipulation. Akram claimed that in constituencies where PTI candidates are strong, pressure is being exerted on independent candidates to support government-backed parties, raising “serious questions about the transparency of the electoral process.” He expressed deep concern that attempts are underway to manipulate results in a manner similar to what he described as the “brazen overnight theft of the public mandate” during the 2024 elections, when results were allegedly delayed, Form 45s ignored, and mandates altered in favour of certain parties. Responding to a recent statement by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari regarding Form 47, Akram stated that the remark represented “a clear admission of pre-poll rigging” by the PPP and its allies. He further said PTI candidates are being openly threatened with treatment akin to that faced by Imran Khan, which he characterised as “the worst example of fascism” rather than democratic politics. He accused government parties, particularly the PML-N and PPP, of enjoying full state patronage, with facilities and protocol provided for their meetings, while PTI’s activities are being systematically obstructed. PTI has demanded that all political parties be given equal electoral opportunities, that discriminatory practices regarding NOCs cease immediately, that its leadership and workers be allowed free movement and campaigning, and that the Election Commission uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure transparent elections. Akram warned that continued undemocratic behaviour would undermine the credibility of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections and place full responsibility on the current rulers. He reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to defending the public mandate at every level. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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