Gilgit-Baltistan Election Campaign and Political Activity

Updated: 6:18 AM PKT — June 6, 2026

Controversy has deepened over the transparency of the forthcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, scheduled for Sunday. PTI-backed candidates allege state interference, claiming they have been denied a level playing field through restrictions on campaign activities and disputes over party symbols, forcing them to run as independents. The Pakistan People’s Party has also raised concerns, accusing the federal government of violating election rules by altering voter rolls and announcing new development schemes to influence the outcome.

Regional election authorities have rejected the claims, dismissing allegations of administrative bias or procedural irregularities and stating all candidates are subject to the same code of conduct. Meanwhile, a 17,000-strong security contingent, including police units from Punjab and Sindh, paramilitary Rangers, and the Frontier Corps, will be deployed to ensure security during the vote.

Updated: 8:11 PM PKT — June 5, 2026

In a recent campaign rally, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari promised to secure land ownership rights and extend the protections of the 18th Constitutional Amendment to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He stated that granting these constitutional rights is part of the PPP’s manifesto and urged voters to give his party a “heavy mandate” to ensure the implementation of relevant legislation.

Zardari noted that a bill converting 28,000 square miles of government-owned land into common land has already been passed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. He warned that another party coming to power might repeal the legislation and called on all residents, regardless of political affiliation, to vote for the PPP to safeguard these rights.

Updated: 7:40 PM PKT — June 5, 2026

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, addressing an election rally in Gilgit, has urged voters to decide who can best represent them in the current circumstances and to safeguard their vote by managing ‘Form 45’. He alleged that the public’s vote was stolen in the last election and positioned the PPP as the party that could best represent the region.

Zardari also referenced regional tensions, stating that a “field marshal” is engaged in peace efforts. He expressed hope for the success of these efforts to bring relief to the populace.