LAHORE (MNN); Former prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will visit Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday on a one-day trip to meet party ticket holders ahead of the June 7 elections.
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said on Monday that Nawaz Sharif will meet party leaders and candidates during his visit and review election-related preparations.
She added that discussions will also cover development and welfare issues concerning the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has announced that general elections in the region will be held on June 7 after a four-month delay.
Nawaz Sharif has largely remained away from active politics since the February 2024 general elections, but continues to play an advisory role within the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and is regarded as a political mentor to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Earlier in April, he said that if elected, the party would prioritise development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, calling the region an integral part of Pakistan that holds equal importance to all provinces and territories.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf alleged on Monday that systematic pre-poll rigging and state-backed pressure are being used ahead of the elections.
In a statement, PTI accused federal institutions, local administration, and law enforcement agencies of attempting to influence the electoral process and suppress political opposition in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The party also raised concerns over the role of the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission, including a notice issued to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khurshid over election posters.
PTI alleged that such actions are aimed at pressuring candidates to leave PTI and join government-backed parties.
It further accused the ruling PML-N of violating the election code of conduct through federal-level campaigning and administrative influence, while claiming PTI candidates are being prevented from entering the region.
PTI said the Election Commission’s failure to address these alleged violations while acting against PTI candidates and their families raises serious questions about its impartiality and independence.
