• KP CM writes to GB’s chief justice seeking safeguards for electoral fairness
• PTI’s Asad Qaiser says he was blocked from reaching Islamabad airport
• PML-N’s Saad Rafique also reports missing Skardu flight, alleges obstruction

ISLAMABAD: Political activity has intensified ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative elections scheduled for June 14, with several political parties raising concerns about campaign-related restrictions and the overall electoral environment.

The debate over issues ranging from pre-poll irregularities and detentions to restrictions on political activities gained momentum on Saturday after leaders from both opposition and ruling parties reported difficulties in travelling to the region for campaign activities.

PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser said he was unable to reach Islamabad airport in time for a flight to Skardu as access routes to Islamabad airport had been “blocked”, causing him to miss a planned campaign visit. Also, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique reported missing a flight to Skardu, attributing the delay to traffic disruptions on routes leading to the airport.

Amid these developments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi wrote to the Chief Judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court, seeking judicial oversight to help ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process.

In his letter, the chief minister expressed concern over reports that workers and leaders of the PTI were facing restrictions and harassment.

In the letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn, Mr Afridi said he wished to draw the court’s attention to reports regarding the political atmosphere in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of the elections.

He requested the court to direct relevant authorities to ensure that political workers and leaders are able to carry out their activities without unlawful restrictions, and that all parties have equal opportunities to campaign and participate in the electoral process.

Mr Afridi also urged prompt action in cases where constitutional or democratic rights may be infringed, arguing that all political stakeholders should be able to engage in the election process without undue interference.

The chief minister said reports suggested that one political party contesting the elections was facing limitations on campaign activities, public gatherings and the movement of its workers and leadership. He added that adherence to constitutional principles and democratic norms was essential to maintaining confidence in the electoral process.

The development came a day after PTI MNA Junaid Akbar and members of his team were asked to leave Gilgit-Baltistan while campaigning for the upcoming elections.

According to PTI accounts, Mr Akbar and his associates were briefly “detained” in Ghizer district before being “expelled”. The Gilgit-Baltistan government, however, said no arrests had taken place and maintained that the individuals were removed for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.

Access to airport

Mr Qaiser in a post on X alleged that access routes to Islamabad airport had been blocked, preventing him from taking a flight to Skardu where he was scheduled to take part in election activities. He argued that the PTI was facing difficulties in conducting its election campaign in the region, but expressed confidence that voters in Gilgit-Baltistan would make their choices independently. He said he would continue participating in campaign activities despite such challenges.

Videos shared by Mr Qaiser showed long queues of vehicles near the airport entrance. He also posted footage of a discussion with individuals he identified as Punjab police officials, requesting that other passengers be allowed to proceed.

Speaking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, an Islamabad police official said the airport does not fall under the force’s jurisdiction and said Islamabad police had no role in preventing access to the facility.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also raised concerns about the campaign environment, noting that federal ministers were participating in election activities in Gilgit-Baltistan while PTI leaders, according to his party, faced restrictions.

He argued that participation by serving ministers warranted scrutiny under the Election Commission of Pakistan’s code of conduct and called for greater attention from the electoral watchdog.

Similarly, Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas criticised the reported difficulties faced by Mr Qaiser, saying all political parties should have equal opportunities to campaign. He argued that any restrictions on specific political groups could affect perceptions of electoral fairness.

Former National Assembly opposition leader Omar Ayub characterised the developments as part of a broader pattern of pre-election interference and voiced concerns about the conduct of the electoral process.

Saad Rafique raises questions

Interestingly, the allegations were levelled not only by the opposition but also by a leader of the ruling party. PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique also said his flight to Skardu for campaign-related engagements was missed after he was caught in traffic congestion on routes leading to Islamabad airport. He questioned the reasons behind the traffic disruption and also complained about airline boarding procedures, claiming the boarding gates were closed earlier than expected.

He said many passengers, including women, children and elderly travellers, were left waiting in difficult weather conditions and called for better management of such situations.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2026