Punjab approves deployment of 6,000 police personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan for election security

WEB DESK: The Punjab government has approved the deployment of 6,000 police personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to assist with security arrangements for the region’s elections scheduled for June 7, according to official documents issued on Sunday.

The development comes amid allegations by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) of pre-poll rigging and political interference ahead of the vote.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab police’s Assistant Inspector General (Operations), an initial contingent of 5,000 personnel was placed at the disposal of the GB police for election security duties. A subsequent notification authorised the deployment of an additional 1,000 officers.

The documents stated that the personnel would be equipped with anti-riot gear and transported to the region in buses escorted by armed police officers, according to The Nation.

Authorities were also directed to ensure that vehicles used for the journey were roadworthy and operated by drivers familiar with the mountainous terrain.

PTI alleges pre-poll rigging

Meanwhile, PTI reiterated its concerns over what it described as “systematic pre-poll rigging” in the lead-up to the elections.

In a statement, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the federal government of attempting to manipulate the electoral process through the misuse of state resources. The party alleged that government-backed elements were working to suppress opposition voices before polling day.

PTI also criticised the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission, claiming it had issued a notice to the mother of former GB chief minister Khalid Khursheed over the display of his photograph on campaign posters.

The party further alleged that election officials had pressured some candidates to distance themselves from PTI and contest the elections under the banner of government-backed parties.

In addition, PTI accused federal ministers, including Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, of remaining in the region to influence the local administration, while PTI lawmakers were allegedly being prevented from entering GB.

Election commission rejects allegations

Responding to the accusations, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said there would be no discrimination against any candidate or political party during the electoral process.

Addressing a press conference, he said strict compliance with the election code of conduct would be ensured and violations would not be tolerated.

“Action will be taken without discrimination and in accordance with the law against any attempt to disrupt the election process, disturb law and order, or spread provocation,” he said.

Khan said the commission’s primary responsibility was to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections. He added that a monitoring mechanism had been put in place and monitoring officers had been empowered to take immediate action against code of conduct violations.

Without naming any political party, the chief election commissioner said certain elements were attempting to influence the electoral process and create unrest, warning that such actions constituted violations of both the election code of conduct and the Pakistan Penal Code.

The Gilgit-Baltistan elections are scheduled to be held on June 7 amid heightened political tensions and competing claims over the transparency of the electoral process.