ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders on Thursday accused political opponents of attempting to influence the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections through development announcements and use of state machinery, saying such moves amount to “pre-poll rigging.”
Speaking at a press conference at the PPP Secretariat in Islamabad, Senator Palwasha Khan, Senator Shahadat Awan, and MNA Sehar Kamran said the PPP’s growing public support in Gilgit-Baltistan had unsettled rivals, while also questioning the deployment of Punjab Police and campaign activities of federal and provincial ministers in the region.
They urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of alleged irregularities, including development funding announcements, voter list changes, and transfers of officials, and ensure strict implementation of the electoral code of conduct.
The PPP leaders expressed confidence that the party would win the upcoming elections, claiming it had played a key role in giving Gilgit-Baltistan its political identity and driving development in the region.
Senator Palwasha Khan termed the announcement of billions of rupees in development funds ahead of elections as “pre-poll rigging,” and urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of development announcements, alleged changes in voter lists, transfers of officials, and the use of state machinery.
Senator Shahadat Awan said political parties that had previously been in power should explain what development work they had carried out in Gilgit-Baltistan. He expressed confidence that the PPP would form the next government in the region.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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