ISLAMABAD/GILGIT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday committed to taking all possible measures to support and strengthen the democratic process in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Shehbaz met with Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi in Lahore and held a detailed discussion with him on the overall law and order and security situation in the country.
The prime minister commended the interior minister and his team for ensuring effective security arrangements for the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
The interior minister briefed the prime minister on the special arrangements made to ensure the safety and security of citizens, protect lives and property and secure public places during Eidul Azha.
He also briefed the premier in detail on the preparations and measures undertaken by the security institutions to ensure peaceful, transparent and well-organized conduct of the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Naqvi informed the prime minister that a comprehensive security plan had been formulated to maintain law and order during the electoral process and to provide voters with a safe environment.
The prime minister appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Interior, law-enforcement agencies and security forces for maintaining peace and stability in the country and ensuring the protection of the public, a statement issued by the PM Office media said.
In a related development, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Skardu on Sunday to start a series of organisational meetings ahead of the polls.
According to the campaign schedule, Bilawal will meet the PPP candidates and party office-bearers before commencing the public election activities on Monday (today), reports Sabah.
He will depart for Shigar today to address an election rally. The chairman is also expected to address a public gathering in Skardu on June 2 before travelling onwards to Gilgit later the same day.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) has also intensified its campaign activities.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan on Sunday said strict enforcement of the election code of conduct was being ensured during the ongoing general election campaign, warning that violations will not be tolerated under any circumstances, reports our correspondent from Gilgit.
Speaking at a press conference here alongside the Provincial Election Commissioner Abid Raza, Shahbaz said legal action would be taken without discrimination against anyone attempting to sabotage the electoral process, disrupt law and order or spread incitement.
He said the Election Commission’s primary objective was to conduct free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections, enabling voters to exercise their democratic rights in a secure environment.
To achieve this goal, an effective monitoring mechanism has already been put in place, with monitoring officers empowered to take immediate action against violations of the code of conduct, he said.
Shahbaz said certain elements were attempting to influence the electoral environment and create unrest through social media and other platforms, describing such actions as clear violations of the election code of conduct and relevant laws. He warned that those involved would face legal consequences.
The chief election commissioner further revealed that monitoring officers had recently issued notices to several political figures and federal ministers over alleged violations of the election code of conduct. He stressed that no candidate or political party would receive preferential treatment and that the law would be applied equally to all.
Responding to a question, he said federal minister for Kashmir affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan had obtained the required no-objection certificate (NOC) for his visit to the region and that all activities were being conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
He added that all individuals visiting from the federal government or other provinces must fulfil legal requirements and obtain prior permission.
He also made it clear that candidates would not be allowed to organise rallies, engage in disorderly conduct, or undertake activities that could disturb public peace during the election campaign.
Any candidate or political worker found violating the code of conduct would face strict legal action, including possible disqualification.
Shahbaz said the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan was utilising all available resources to ensure transparent, impartial and peaceful elections and would not allow any attempt to undermine the credibility of electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday strongly condemned what it alleged was systematic pre-poll rigging by the federal government in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Mumtaz Alvi, our correspondent from Islamabad, adds.
In a statement, Information Secretary Sh. Waqas Akram vehemently condemned the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan for its partisan and unacceptable conduct. In a glaring example, it was charged that the commission issued a notice to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khursheed, questioning why she had displayed a picture of her son on the campaign posters.
Additionally, the commission officials have contacted candidates and issued threats, directing them to quit PTI and contest on tickets of government-backed parties.
He said the party had also strongly condemned gross violations of the code of conduct by PMLN. The federal ministers of PMLN are openly campaigning in Gilgit-Baltistan, while ministers such as Amir Muqam and Attaullah Tarar have been stationed in the region to influence the local administration.
In stark contrast, he noted that PTI parliamentarians, including MNAs and senators, were being deliberately prevented from entering Gilgit-Baltistan.
“The Election Commission remains inexplicably silent on these blatant violations by the ruling party while selectively targeting PTI candidates and their families. This selective approach confirms that the Election Commission has been reduced to a tool of the regime,” the party spokesman alleged.
“The ruling elite is in complete panic. By converting Gilgit-Baltistan into a virtual police state, deploying Punjab Police, and imposing unconstitutional barriers, including stopping our parliamentarians while allowing PMLN ministers to campaign freely, they have openly admitted their inability to face the people in a free and fair election.
Waqas said his party had warned the installed government of Form 47 that Gilgit-Baltistan was a highly sensitive region. This brazen pre-poll rigging and repression will destroy the peaceful atmosphere and create deep, lasting resentment in the hearts of the people. The party has cautioned the regime against undermining the hard-earned unity of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Given the existing sectarian fault lines in the region, any attempt to play with fire through political engineering and division will have dangerous and irreversible consequences, he warned.
