KP CM Seeks Judicial Action Over GB Election Transparency
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has approached the chief justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, seeking urgent judicial intervention over what he described as a deeply troubling election environment in the region. The development came on Saturday as political tensions intensified ahead of the upcoming electoral process in GB.
In his letter, the chief minister raised concerns that the campaign atmosphere was becoming uneven and restrictive. He argued that reports from Gilgit-Baltistan suggested one political side was facing barriers in carrying out routine election activities, including public meetings, movement of leaders and mobilisation of workers.
The matter gained fresh attention after PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser alleged that he was stopped from reaching Islamabad airport for a flight to Skardu, where he was expected to participate in election-related activities. The claim added to concerns already circulating within the party over access to the region during the campaign period.
Afridi also referred to earlier developments involving PTI MNA Junaid Akbar and members of his team, who were reportedly expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan while campaigning. These incidents have become part of a broader political dispute over whether all parties are being allowed equal space before voters go to the polls.
In the letter, the KP chief minister urged the court to direct relevant authorities to ensure a free, fair and transparent process. He said harassment, detention or obstruction of political workers would damage public confidence and could undermine the credibility of the elections if left unchecked.
Afridi framed the issue as one tied to constitutional and democratic rights, arguing that political parties and citizens must be able to participate in elections without discrimination. He maintained that equal access to campaign platforms, travel and public engagement is essential for any credible electoral exercise.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s politics often carries national importance because major parties view the region as a strategic and symbolic arena. Election disputes there can quickly become part of wider national debate, especially when parties allege administrative interference or uneven treatment during campaign periods.
The latest controversy also comes at a sensitive moment for Pakistan’s political landscape, where questions around electoral transparency, civil liberties and political participation remain closely watched. Any perception of selective restrictions in GB could deepen mistrust among parties and fuel further confrontation in the days ahead.
The court’s response will determine whether the issue moves from political complaint to formal judicial oversight. With elections approaching, the next steps may include directions to local authorities, clarification of campaign rules and closer scrutiny of whether all parties are being allowed to operate freely.