PESHAWAR: Pakistan Peoples Party has expressed serious reservations over the prime minister’s recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, alleging that such visits during the election period could affect the transparency of the electoral process.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, the PPP central general secretary Mohammad Humayun Khan said official visits by the prime minister and the federal officeholders during elections raise concerns regarding fairness and equal opportunities for all political parties.

He said several development projects and special packages announced during the visit could directly influence voters and impact the election environment.

The PPP leader urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take immediate notice and impose restrictions on politically motivated visits by government officials during the election period to ensure a level playing field. Humayun Khan said the PPP had always supported free, fair and transparent elections and would oppose any action that undermines democratic principles.

He added that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are politically aware and capable of protecting democratic values through the power of their vote.

The PPP leader said his party would closely monitor the electoral process and resist any attempt to influence the public mandate.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2026