Gilgit-Baltistan Politics Heating Up

Updated: 7:22 AM PKT — June 5, 2026

As the election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan intensifies, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused its political opponents of engaging in pre-poll rigging. Party leaders alleged that rivals are attempting to influence the upcoming polls through last-minute announcements of development funds and the use of state machinery, including the deployment of Punjab Police.

While PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari campaigns in the region promising infrastructure development and public welfare, his party has formally called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the alleged irregularities. The PPP has urged the ECP to ensure strict implementation of the electoral code of conduct, citing concerns over changes to voter lists and transfers of officials ahead of the June 7 vote.

Updated: 6:51 AM PKT — June 5, 2026

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has accused the federal government of political interference in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections. A party spokesperson alleged that central PTI leaders are being subjected to profiling, movement restrictions, and are being forced to seek no-objection certificates to travel to the region.

The party claims the Election Commission, local administration, and police are colluding to pressure its candidates to abandon their tickets. The PTI also criticised the deployment of 6,000 police personnel and the use of “Form 47,” describing these measures as evidence of pre-poll manipulation.

Updated: 8:41 PM PKT — June 4, 2026

As the political climate in Gilgit-Baltistan intensifies, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has launched its campaign by highlighting its development record. At a workers’ convention in Hunza, senior leader Khurram Dastgir asked voters to decide if they wanted their region to develop like Lahore or Karachi over the next five years.

Without naming any rivals, Dastgir asserted that only those who have previously built a network of highways could deliver on infrastructure promises, claiming every major project from GB to Balochistan bore the PML-N’s mark. Fellow party leader Abid Sher Ali added that the region needed Nawaz Sharif’s leadership for progress, urging the public to elect a leader who could guarantee their prosperity.

Updated: 7:36 PM PKT — June 4, 2026

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has warned that the party may be forced to exit the parliamentary system if pushed too far. Speaking at a corner meeting in Gilgit-Baltistan, he stated, “Do not force us to think what is the benefit of staying in the system, then we will be forced to exit the assemblies and the Senate as well.”

Barrister Gohar termed the prevention of PTI’s election campaign as pre-poll rigging, calling the act of stopping leaders and MNAs unconstitutional and a conspiracy against democracy. He criticized rival politicians, stating the self-respecting people of GB would not be deceived by those whose only performance has been to obstruct the PTI.