Political Intensity Rises as Gilgit-Baltistan 2026 Election Campaigns Begin

Updated: 11:08 PM PKT — June 2, 2026

Four senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, were expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday ahead of the region’s general elections scheduled for Sunday, June 7. The party claims it is being prevented from campaigning, with leaders alleging they were stopped by police and forcibly escorted out of the province in a ‘clear violation of the Constitution’. Local PTI leaders and workers from the Insaf Student Federation who came to receive the convoy were reportedly detained.

The PTI leadership has condemned the incident, comparing it to suppression tactics from the February 8 general elections and accusing the administration of denying them a level playing field. The party alleges that while its members are being barred, ruling parties like the PML-N and PPP are enjoying full state patronage. Concurrently, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed separate election rallies in the region.

Updated: 7:31 PM PKT — June 2, 2026

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has accused the federal government of using official resources and influence to impact the ongoing election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan. Senior PPP leader Shazia Marri issued a statement expressing concern over the presence of federal ministers in the campaign and the use of government machinery, which she said raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. She stressed that a level playing field is essential for a credible election.

Marri also clarified recent remarks by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding Form 45 and Form 47, stating they were presented out of context. She explained that the chairman was reminding voters of the previous election, where the PPP allegedly had nine seats stolen, and was urging the public to safeguard their votes and their copies of Form 45 to prevent any attempts to steal the mandate.

Updated: 3:22 PM PKT — June 2, 2026

Ahead of the June 7 general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif expressed deep disappointment with the state of the region’s infrastructure during a campaign rally. He criticized the poor condition of roads and the lack of development, questioning why successive governments had not effectively utilized resources for public welfare. Sharif highlighted projects from his previous tenure, such as the road that significantly reduced travel time between Gilgit and Skardu.

Accompanied by senior party leaders, Sharif pledged to pursue development projects regardless of the election’s outcome. He promised to discuss upgrading the Gilgit airport with the prime minister and proposed several initiatives, including a women’s university, expanded healthcare facilities, and interest-free loans for youth. He described the upcoming polls, which were delayed for four months due to severe winter weather, as a “test” for voters.